The Kennedy Center is removing one of its most recognizable pieces of public art: “Blue,” a large abstract sculpture that has stood on campus since 2019, The Washington Post reports.
The sculpture, created by artist Joel Shapiro, was installed as part of the Kennedy Center’s Reach expansion and quickly became a familiar landmark for visitors. Now, however, it is being removed from the grounds. Was it too woke for Trump's thin skin? Who knows. No explanation was given as to why the iconic sculpture is being abruptly canceled. Maybe if the sculpture was white, it would have remained intact.
According to a National Park Service notice, northbound Rock Creek Parkway will be closed Wednesday to allow crews to remove the artwork. The notice did not provide much detail about where the sculpture is headed or why the Kennedy Center decided to remove it.
The decision arrives amid the sweeping changes at the Kennedy Center since President Donald Trump took control of its board and became chairman. The center has undergone a dramatic transformation under Trump, including the controversial addition of his name to the building and plans for an extensive renovation.
The Kennedy Center has already endured cancellations, artist withdrawals and steep financial losses following the Trump takeover. Now, even some of its outdoor artwork is apparently getting the boot.
Via The Post:
Advocacy group Hands Off the Arts, which has campaigned against Trump’s changes to the institution, told people to “say your final goodbyes to Blue, Joel Shapiro’s beloved figure,” in a post on social media Tuesday.
“Wednesday, September 2, 2026 will forever be known as the day the United States government tore down a piece of public art at the behest of a petulant crybaby. But it won’t be the last,” it said.
“Blue” may not have been there for very long by Kennedy Center standards, but it had become part of the campus landscape. Its removal is another visible sign that the institution is being transformed under its new leadership.
Because apparently when you're remaking the Kennedy Center, you can't just rearrange the programming. You have to start moving the furniture—and the giant blue sculpture.
