New artwork “Guardian of the Ice” unveiled at Ranua Resort

Ranua Resort unveiled a new site-specific artwork, “Guardian of the Ice”, on Friday 27 February, International Polar Bear Day. Designed and created by designer Juhana Laivamaa, the modern polar bear sculpture is located in a central spot in the resort’s courtyard and will remain there permanently. The piece will become one of the area’s recognizable landmarks and a reminder of the importance of polar bear conservation.

“Guardian of the Ice” is part of Ranua’s program for the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year, which highlights the role and meaning of light in the seasonal cycle of Lapland. The polar bear was chosen as the artwork’s main subject because of its role as a symbol of the entire Arctic region. According to Laivamaa, the polar bear, already an iconic emblem of Ranua Wildlife Park, acts in the piece as a messenger for Arctic nature and its protection.

“The Guardian of the Ice, this noble polar bear, stands guard over the sea ice and the fragile Arctic ecosystem,” Laivamaa explains, describing the idea behind the name.

For Ranua Resort and its CEO Johanna Koivunen, the polar bear is far more than one species among the Wildlife Park’s fifty animal species. “Our core mission is to safeguard Arctic biodiversity and carry out long-term conservation work for northern species,” says Koivunen and continues:

“The polar bear is a symbol of this vital work – and of our very existence. By placing the polar bear at the center through this environmental artwork, we invite our visitors to engage with this important theme from the very moment they arrive at the Wildlife Park.”

“Guardian of the Ice” also crowns Ranua Resort’s recent major investments related to polar bears, including a full renovation and expansion of the polar bear area, as well as welcoming two new female polar bears to the Wildlife Park.

A new landmark in the heart of Ranua Resort

Installed on a concrete foundation, the artwork is substantial in scale: its total height is nearly four metres, its length about 6.5 metres, and its weight approximately 1,300 kg. The sculpture is made of brown pressure-treated wood, a maintenance-free material that will develop a beautiful patina over time. A structural diagonal brace, essential for stability and safety, has been integrated as a visible part of the artwork.

Lighting is created with LED strips integrated into the structure. The warm white glow brings out the bear’s form and creates atmosphere and a sense of three-dimensionality. The lighting operates via a dusk sensor, like the rest of the courtyard lighting, and is on during twilight and darkness.

Light is a key element of the work: the sculpture appears slightly different depending on the season, time of day, and direction of natural light. The play of light and shadow on its surfaces offers something new to see and experience each time.

The artwork was officially inaugurated by Anitta Jaakola, Chair of the Board of Ranuan Seudun Matkailu Oy and Head of Leisure Services for the Municipality of Ranua, at the unveiling event held on Friday 27 February 2026 in honour of International Polar Bear Day. The annual awareness day, founded by Polar Bears International, aims to draw attention to the impacts of climate change on polar bear habitat and to promote conservation action.

 

Interview requests and further information:

Johanna Koivunen, CEO, Ranuan Seudun Matkailu Oy,

+358 50 413 1665 | johanna.koivunen@ranuaresort.com