Kennedy Center Removes ‘Blue’ Outdoor Sculpture, Former Chairman Purchases Artwork
WASHINGTON — The Kennedy Center has removed the outdoor sculpture known as “Blue” from its grounds, dismantling the large artwork during an operation that briefly impacted local traffic near the venue.
Sculpture Disassembled on Kennedy Center Grounds
The removal of the sculpture took place in early September 2026, with workers disassembling the artwork where it had stood on the performing arts center’s property. The operation required temporary road management measures, including the closure of a section of the nearby Rock Creek Parkway to accommodate equipment and crew access during the dismantling process.
Acquisition by Former Board Chairman
Following its removal from the Kennedy Center, the sculpture—created by artist Shapiro—was purchased by the venue’s former board chairman. News of the acquisition was reported shortly after the artwork was taken down from the facility’s campus.
The removal and sale of the piece coincide with broader administrative and organizational developments at the national cultural institution, where board decisions and changes in leadership have drawn public attention in recent months.
