Politics

Kennedy Center removes Joel Shapiro sculpture from campus grounds

Crews disassembled the blue stick-figure artwork installed in 2019 amid wider changes at the performing arts institution.

Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 18:18 UTC2 reports

The short version

Workers used a crane on Wednesday to disassemble "Blue," a large stick-figure sculpture installed on the Kennedy Center's grounds in 2019.
The sculpture was created by artist Joel Shapiro, who died in 2025.
The removal comes amid ongoing controversies and legal disputes over changes enacted under the center's Trump-aligned board.
The piece may be reinstalled in another location through the Joel Shapiro and Ellen Phelan Foundation.

Crews removed and disassembled the sculpture "Blue" from the Kennedy Center campus on Wednesday.[ABC News · Associated Press]
The sculpture was designed by artist Joel Shapiro and installed in 2019 near The REACH addition.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Joel Shapiro died in 2025, and the Kennedy Center issued a statement expressing gratitude for his work and stewardship of the piece.[ABC News · Associated Press]
The removal occurs against the backdrop of broader disputes at the Kennedy Center, including a legal fight by its Trump-aligned board to add Donald Trump's name to the institution.[ABC News · Associated Press]

It is not yet confirmed whether or where the Joel Shapiro and Ellen Phelan Foundation will reinstall the sculpture.[ABC News · Associated Press]