Workers began disassembling a sculpture titled "Blue" from the grounds of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The installation, created by artist Joel Shapiro, featured a blue figure and had been on display at the arts venue for several years.
The sculpture was originally installed in 2019. Its removal follows a recent board meeting involving President Donald Trump and comes amid reports by The Washington Post regarding plans by the administration to change the arts venue. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) also recently shared details of a board meeting involving the president.
The Kennedy Center stated that the deinstallation of gifted or loaned artwork is a common practice for conservation and preservation purposes. While the center confirmed the sculpture is being removed, officials said the future location of the piece has not yet been determined.
The move follows a recent board meeting involving the President and has been noted by observers and lawmakers, such as Sen. Whitehouse. The Kennedy Center has not provided a deadline for when a new permanent location for the Joel Shapiro work will be selected. Further changes to the facility are expected as the administration continues efforts to remake the venue.