Trump-Ousted Kennedy Center Chairman Buys Removed Shapiro Sculpture
David Rubenstein, the former board chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, has bought Joel Shapiro’s “Blue” (2019). The purchase came days after the National Park Service removed the 24-foot-tall sculpture from the center’s grounds.
The agency began taking down “Blue” from the Kennedy Center’s REACH (Renew, Experience, Activate, Create, and Honor) campus on September 2. Its future now rests with the Joel Shapiro and Ellen Phelan Foundation. The removal drew sharp criticism from artists, arts workers, and groups like Hands Off the Arts.
Rubenstein’s Purchase and Plan
Rubenstein paid $2 million for the work, according to the New York Times. He plans to place “Blue” in the sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Art.
The billionaire has given to the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service charity. His move gives the sculpture a new public home.
Why “Blue” Was Removed
The action came amid renewed pushes to put Trump’s name on the Kennedy Center front and grounds. Critics called the removal hard to understand.
Rubenstein’s Kennedy Center History
Rubenstein was among several Biden picks removed from the bipartisan Kennedy Center board by President Donald Trump in February 2025. During his time, Rubenstein pledged $50 million to the REACH expansion project.
That project aims to honor President John F. Kennedy’s vision of bringing artists and audiences together. When REACH opened in 2019, Shapiro gave “Blue” as a first gift to mark the start.
Shapiro’s Legacy
Shapiro died in 2025. His sculpture stood as a visible piece of the Washington, DC, landscape.
“Blue” could be seen from Potomac Parkway and other major roads.
A New Home at the National Gallery
The National Gallery of Art’s sculpture garden will now host the work. Rubenstein’s purchase keeps “Blue” in the public eye.
Trump’s Board Changes
Shortly after starting his second term, Trump replaced the former board with his own group. He made himself chairman, a role Rubenstein once held.
The REACH Campus
REACH stands for Renew, Experience, Activate, Create, and Honor. The campus opened in 2019. Rubenstein pledged $50 million to the expansion project.
“Blue” marked the opening as a visible sign of the project.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| “Blue” installed at REACH campus | 2019 |
| Trump removes Biden picks from board | February 2025 |
| Shapiro dies | 2025 |
| National Park Service takes down “Blue” | September 2 |
| Rubenstein buys “Blue” | Days after removal |
| Party | Role | Action |
|---|---|---|
| David Rubenstein | Former board chairman | Bought “Blue” for $2 million |
| Donald Trump | Current chairman | Removed Rubenstein, replaced board |
| Joel Shapiro | Artist | Created and gave “Blue” |
The sale gives “Blue” a second life. Rubenstein’s plan keeps the sculpture where the public can still see it.
Source: hyperallergic.com
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.