Removal of Joel Shapiro’s ‘Blue’ Sculpture from Kennedy Center

Workers were observed taking down the ‘Blue’ sculpture by Joel Shapiro at the Kennedy Center on a Wednesday. This action follows instructions from Richard Grenell. He was appointed by President Donald Trump to oversee the center. Grenell directed the curator of visual arts and special programming to remove all outdoor artworks from the campus.

The decision to remove Shapiro’s artwork, a piece celebrated for its inspiration and creativity, has generated disappointment among art enthusiasts and visitors. The removal reflects changing priorities and directives under new leadership at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.