Dallas Whale Mural Painted Over for World Cup 2026 Art Installation

Work began this month to cover a mural titled “Whaling Wall 82” on two walls of a downtown Dallas parking garage. The piece, created by artist Wyland and dedicated in 1999, depicted swimming whales and had remained in place for nearly 30 years. Katy Rose Cusick, a senior at a local performing and visual arts high school, said she noticed the mural being painted over on her way to school.

org petition that has collected hundreds of signatures from people who recalled seeing the mural as children. ” He added that the erasure of a work meant to promote ocean conservation raises questions about how communities value public art.

A spokesperson for the area’s World Cup organizing committee said the group looks forward to unveiling a new piece that captures the current historical moment. The spokesperson added that a portion of Wyland’s mural will be preserved as a tribute to its impact on the city.

Downtown Dallas Inc. stated it participated in early discussions about the mural and confirmed the work was never part of the city’s public art collection. The group introduced the World Cup organizing committee to the building’s owners. A spokesperson for the building’s owners, Slate Asset Management, said the owners were approached earlier this year by Downtown Dallas Inc.

and the organizing committee about donating the wall for a new installation by a local artist. Dallas is scheduled to host nine World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium in suburban Arlington, more than any other venue in the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosted tournament.

The stadium will be called Dallas Stadium during the event.