Twenty-one feet of bronze. That’s the Universal Man standing before you. He’s quite a sight isn’t he? This imposing figure wasn’t always here at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
The Universal Man was actually commissioned by CN Rail in 1972. It cost approximately $100000. That’s about $717000 today. Imagine the headlines back then. “CN Rail Unveils Giant Bronze Man”.
Initially the Universal Man held court near the CN Tower. He was meant to balance the tower’s imposing height. To emphasize the human scale. Think of it a giant bronze counterpoint. A reminder of humanity in a towering technological marvel.
For years the statue was a popular tourist spot. A centrepiece of a plaza. Until 1987 when construction of the SkyDome began. Sadly this meant the Universal Man had to be moved. During the move his right hand was broken off. The artist Gerald Gladstone was furious. They moved him to a vacant railway lot. Face down in the dirt.
For years he lay forgotten. Then in 1994 North York’s government rescued him. They restored the damaged hand. They placed him at the Dufferin entrance to Yorkdale Mall. Gladstone was finally satisfied.
The Universal Man’s journey is a fascinating tale of corporate decisions. Of artistic passion. Of a statue’s resilience. His imposing form stands as a testament to human endurance. To the enduring power of art. He inspires awe even after a troubled past. Look at him closely. The giant arms and legs. They represent the full range of human motion. Inspired by da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. A powerful symbol of human potential.
So here he stands. A testament to human potential. A survivor. A piece of Toronto history. The Universal Man.