City discusses donated Vilhelm Moberg bronze head from Swedish museum; formal acceptance to return in February

City staff presented a proposed donation of a bronze head by Swedish author-sculptor Vilhelm Moberg and council discussed whether to pursue formal acceptance and installation.

Staff said a Swedish immigrant museum offered a re-cast bronze head — an item with an unusual backstory: an original had been stolen in 1999, the museum later re-cast a replacement, and last fall the stolen head was returned, leaving the museum with a spare cast. "They voted to give us a matched Moberg sculpture, head sculpture for the City of Lindstrom," Dan said, describing the museum trustees' decision and the cultural connection. Staff said the city would be responsible for shipping and installation costs and proposed preparing a base and plaque to match the existing piece in Sweden.

Council members suggested possible locations (including near a park and downtown spots) and asked staff to include the donation on the February work session or council meeting agenda for a formal acceptance and unveiling plan. Staff said they would get shipping estimates and would prepare a detailed plan and cost estimate for council consideration. No formal acceptance or vote was taken on Jan. 21.

The city will return with a formal resolution and placement recommendation; staff also suggested coordinating an unveiling to highlight the sculpture's story.