Christ of the Ozarks

Christ of the Ozarks statue is a monumental sculpture of Jesus located near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, atop Magnetic Mountain. It was erected in 1966 by Gerald L. K. Smith, a Depression-era religious and political figure who briefly led the Share Our Wealth movement initiated by Huey Long. The statue is a popular tourist attraction, but remains controversial with local residents[] due to Smith's association with white supremacist and antisemitic organizations throughout his career.

The statue, which is more than 67 feet (20 meters) tall, was primarily the work of Emmet Sullivan, who also worked on nearby Dinosaur World. The work is modernistic and minimalistic; there is little true facial detail or expression, and the lines and forms are generally simplified. The arms are outstretched straight, suggesting the Crucifixion; however the cross is not overtly depicted. The statue was proposed and built as the centerpiece of a proposed religious theme park which was never fully realized, but an outdoor performance of "The Great Passion Play", styled after that of Oberammergau, Germany, is staged four or five nights a week from the end of April through the end of October in a nearby 4,100-seat amphitheater.

The statue has been parodied many times over the years in local and national publications due to its striking appearance and artistic flaws.[] Its disproportionate depiction of the figure has inspired a variety of unflattering nicknames, such as "Gumby Jesus" and "Milk Carton With Wings".[] The Christ of the Ozarks is also featured briefly in the 2005 movie Elizabethtown and in the 1988 movie Pass the Ammo.

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Abby Murray
2 November 2016
Very neat statue close to home! It's very beautiful and I enjoyed visiting here! The view is amazing!
Michael Morgan
12 April 2023
While the attraction surrounding it is kind of cheesy, the sculpture itself is beautiful and can be seen from all over Eureka
Adrea Banta
26 June 2012
Christ of the Ozarks is awesome, even in 101 degree weather
Helen Yu
28 January 2012
Free heated bathrooms nearby!
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597 Magnetic Drive, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA Get directions
Fri 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sat-Sun 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Mon 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Tue Noon–5:00 PM
Wed Noon–7:00 PM

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