Nestled among century-old elm trees in Winnipeg’s Kildonan Park, a small round hut was a Canadian centennial project by the German community of Manitoba. Dedicated and opened officially on 24 October 1970, the hut was designed by architect Hans Peter Langes and built by the Neustaedter Construction Company. Its masonry and handcrafted woodwork was done by John Nelson and terra cotta panels depicting the fairy tale of Hänsel and Gretel were created by sculptor Elfriede Leopoldine Geier Berger. Full-scale images of Hänsel, Gretel, and the witch were hand-crafted by Josef Potempa.
Witch’s Hut in Kildonan Park (June 2019)
Source: Rose Kuzina
Interior of the Witch’s Hut in Kildonan Park (August 2022)
Source: Rose Kuzina
Commemorative plaque in the Witch’s Hut in Kildonan Park (August 2023)
Source: Glen ToewsSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.94428, W97.09956
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Hans Peter Langes (1925-2008)
Memorable Manitobans: Elfriede Leopoldine Geier Berger (1916-2011)
“The History of the Witch’s Hut,” German-Canadian Congress (MB) Inc.
We thank Glen Toews for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Rose Kuzina and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 26 March 2023
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