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Kennedy Center removes Blue sculpture
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Workers began removing Joel Shapiro's 'Blue' sculpture from Kennedy Center grounds on Sept 2.
The removal follows Trump's takeover and renovation plans, sparking debate over public art.
Background
The Kennedy Center, under new leadership after President Trump's takeover, is undergoing renovations. The sculpture 'Blue' by Joel Shapiro, installed in 2019, was targeted for removal as part of these changes. The center calls it routine deinstallation, but critics see it as politically motivated.
How it unfolded
- 2019Joel Shapiro's 'Blue' sculpture installed at the Kennedy Center's Reach expansion.
- 2025Artist Joel Shapiro dies.
- recentlyInternal documents suggest 'Blue' was targeted for removal after Trump's takeover.
- Sep 2, 2026Workers begin removing the sculpture; road closures on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Kennedy Center spokesperson says removal is routine deinstallation for conservation, with the artist's foundation deciding next location.
- Critics
- Advocates call the removal politically motivated, with one calling Trump a 'petulant crybaby'.
Still unverified
Internal documents suggest the sculpture was targeted for elimination due to Trump's takeover, but the center did not confirm the reason.