David Rubenstein has bought “Blue”, the 24ft abstract sculpture removed from the grounds of Washington’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts last week, and plans to place it in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden.
The purchase was confirmed by people familiar with the transaction, who said the price exceeded $2 million. The work was acquired from the foundation dedicated to its late creator, Joel Shapiro.
Rubenstein, a prominent arts philanthropist and co-founder of the Carlyle Group, is chairman of the National Gallery’s board of trustees. He was previously chairman of the Kennedy Center board before being ousted during President Donald Trump’s takeover of the institution in early 2025.
“Blue” was installed at the Reach, the Kennedy Center’s modern extension, in 2019. Painted a vivid blue, the aluminium sculpture depicts a stick-like figure appearing to dance or kick a ball, depending on the viewer’s position.
Its removal on September 2 took place without advance notice or an explanation, prompting questions from local patrons who regarded the artwork as a landmark overlooking the Potomac River.
The Kennedy Center said it was grateful to Shapiro for the years the sculpture had spent on its campus and that it had been honoured to act as steward of his work. The institution did not give a reason for the deinstallation.
Shapiro, who died in 2025, had donated “Blue” to the Kennedy Center for the opening of the Reach. After it was taken down, ownership passed to the Joel Shapiro and Ellen Phelan Foundation, run by his daughter, Ivy Shapiro.
Ms Shapiro said last week that her father would have been “alarmed” by the decision, because the work had been intended as a permanent fixture at the centre.
“In Joel’s mind, it was one of his greatest site-specific commissions, which celebrated joy, freedom and creativity,” she said.
Neither the National Gallery of Art nor Ms Shapiro immediately commented on the sale, and no date has been announced for “Blue” to go on display.
The sculpture’s new home will place it alongside the National Gallery’s existing collection of modern and contemporary outdoor works. The gallery already owns other sculptures by Shapiro, including a bronze work in its Sculpture Garden.
The sale comes as the Kennedy Center prepares for a proposed two-year, $250 million renovation backed by Mr Trump. The board has voted to close the institution, although officials have proposed keeping the Reach open as an active memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
