Federal Judge Halts Demolition of Des Moines Art Installation

The ruling favors artist Mary Miss, highlighting a potential contract violation by the Des Moines Art Center.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the demolition of 'Greenwood Pond: Double Site,' an art installation in Des Moines, ruling in favor of artist Mary Miss.
The artwork, installed in 1996, is considered a highlight of Miss' career but has deteriorated and is now deemed hazardous.
Miss argued that the Des Moines Art Center's plans to demolish the installation violated a contract requiring maintenance and preservation.
Artists and arts organizations nationwide have expressed outrage over the demolition plans, advocating for fundraising to repair the artwork.
The judge's decision is seen as a victory for artists' rights and the integrity of their legacies, with a hearing for a preliminary injunction to follow.