Ousted Kennedy Center Chairperson Buys Dismantled ‘Blue’ Sculpture
Rubenstein paid more than $2 million for the 24-foot abstract work and plans to install it in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden.
- Billionaire David Rubenstein has purchased "Blue," the 24-foot abstract Joel Shapiro sculpture removed from the Kennedy Center's Reach campus last week, planning to place it in the National Gallery's Sculpture Garden.
- After the sculpture was removed from the Kennedy Center's Reach campus last week, it reverted to late artist Joel Shapiro's foundation, run by his daughter Ivy Shapiro, who then sold it to Rubenstein.
- The sale price exceeded $2 million. Ivy Shapiro said last week that her father would have been "alarmed" by the sculpture's removal from the Kennedy Center, where it was intended as a permanent fixture.
- President Trump championed a $250 million renovation project for the Kennedy Center, prompting the board to vote for a two-year closure that displaced the sculpture. Trump previously replaced Rubenstein as board chairperson.
- No date is set for installation at the National Gallery, where Rubenstein leads the board of trustees after his removal from the Kennedy Center during President Trump's takeover of the institution.
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Joel Shapiro’s sculpture "Blue," a symbol of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has been removed. Former Chairman David Rubenstein has purchased the work for $2 million and will relocate it to the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. This move is interpreted as a measure to protect the asset amidst political conflicts, including the Trump administration’s interference in the center’s operations and attempts to change its name.
Kennedy Center’s dismantled ‘Blue’ sculpture purchased by David Rubenstein
The Kennedy Center’s former chairman, who was ousted by President Donald Trump in 2025, acquired the artwork for more than $2 million. It will eventually be displayed in the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery of Art.
Sculpture Removed From Kennedy Center Has New Owner
The bright blue dancer that vanished from outside the Kennedy Center has a new home lined up. Billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein has bought "Blue," the 24-foot abstract Joel Shapiro sculpture removed from the center's Reach campus last week, and plans to place it in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture...
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