{"id":545,"date":"2026-05-16T13:04:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T13:04:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scottsdalemovinghub.com\/?p=545"},"modified":"2026-05-16T13:04:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T13:04:06","slug":"iconic-dallas-mural-painted-over-for-fifa-world-cup-project-sparks-backlash-from-artist-residents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scottsdalemovinghub.com\/?p=545","title":{"rendered":"Iconic Dallas mural painted over for FIFA World Cup project sparks backlash from artist, residents"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A massive marine life mural that has towered over downtown Dallas for nearly three decades is being partially painted over for a new FIFA World Cup-themed art project, drawing backlash from the mural\u2019s creator and residents who say a landmark piece of public art is being erased.<\/p>\n

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The mural, known as \u201cWhaling Wall 82,\u201d was created by renowned marine life artist Wyland and has covered the side of a downtown building facing Akard Street since the 1990s.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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This week, crews began covering portions of the mural with new artwork tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u201cI couldn\u2019t believe it because I\u2019ve always been a big fan of this,\u201d Dallas resident Ed Smith told WFAA after visiting the site.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m just really heartbroken,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s why I had to come down here and take a photograph just to make it believable to me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Wyland said he was never contacted before work began.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u201cWe have a lot of walls,\u201d Wyland said. \u201cAnd you\u2019re going to paint over mine?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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The artist said he only learned about the changes after someone sent him photos of the mural being covered.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u201cYou know they\u2019re telling people we reached out to Wyland, we reached out to the Wyland Foundation, they did no such thing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Wyland called the decision \u201creally disrespectful on every level.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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WFAA reported that the City of Dallas referred questions about the project to the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee.<\/p>\n

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In a statement, organizers said the new mural is meant to celebrate the upcoming World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u201cThe mural currently being installed celebrates and builds excitement for the upcoming World Cup 2026,\u201d the statement said. \u201cThe project is being completed in partnership with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee and Slate Asset Management, who owns the building.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Organizers said part of the original artwork would remain intact.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u201cWe recognize the cultural and historical significance of Robert Wyland\u2019s Whaling Wall 82,\u201d the statement continued. \u201cWith great respect for Wyland\u2019s legacy, a portion of the original mural will remain preserved as a tribute to its lasting impact on the city.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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The organization added that the new artwork is intended to \u201creflect the energy, unity, and global spirit surrounding the World Cup 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Wyland said the mural is protected under the federal Visual Artists Rights Act and said he plans to pursue legal action.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Smith said the situation reflects a larger issue about preserving public art.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u201cI just feel like they have no respect for art,\u201d he said. The new mural is expected to be completed ahead of World Cup-related events in Texas.<\/p>\n

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A massive marine life mural that has towered over downtown Dallas for nearly three decades is being partially painted over for a new FIFA World Cup-themed art project, drawing backlash from the mural\u2019s creator and residents who say a landmark piece of public art is being erased. 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