Marine life artist Wyland said he was never contacted before crews began covering parts of his nearly 30-year-old downtown Dallas mural.
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’s creator and residents who say a landmark piece of public art is being erased.
The mural, known as “Whaling Wall 82,” was created by renowned marine life artist Wyland and has covered the side of a downtown building facing Akard Street since the 1990s.
This week, crews began covering portions of the mural with new artwork tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I couldn’t believe it because I’ve always been a big fan of this,” Dallas resident Ed Smith told WFAA after visiting the site.
“I’m just really heartbroken,” he said. “That’s why I had to come down here and take a photograph just to make it believable to me.”
Wyland said he was never contacted before work began.
“We have a lot of walls,” Wyland said. “And you’re going to paint over mine?”
The artist said he only learned about the changes after someone sent him photos of the mural being covered.
“You know they’re telling people we reached out to Wyland, we reached out to the Wyland Foundation, they did no such thing,” he said.
Wyland called the decision “really disrespectful on every level.”
WFAA reported that the City of Dallas referred questions about the project to the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee.
In a statement, organizers said the new mural is meant to celebrate the upcoming World Cup.
“The mural currently being installed celebrates and builds excitement for the upcoming World Cup 2026,” the statement said. “The project is being completed in partnership with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee and Slate Asset Management, who owns the building.”
Organizers said part of the original artwork would remain intact.
“We recognize the cultural and historical significance of Robert Wyland’s Whaling Wall 82,” the statement continued. “With great respect for Wyland’s legacy, a portion of the original mural will remain preserved as a tribute to its lasting impact on the city.”
The organization added that the new artwork is intended to “reflect the energy, unity, and global spirit surrounding the World Cup 2026.”
Wyland said the mural is protected under the federal Visual Artists Rights Act and said he plans to pursue legal action.
Smith said the situation reflects a larger issue about preserving public art.
“I just feel like they have no respect for art,” he said. The new mural is expected to be completed ahead of World Cup-related events in Texas.
