Jeff Koons' Dugong Sculpture Departs Doha After 18 Months

Doha bids farewell to Jeff Koons' renowned Dugong sculpture, a vibrant fixture in Masrah Park for a year and a half. Qatar Museums (QM) announced its decommissioning, confirming earlier social media speculation about its dismantling.

The impressive installation, standing 24 meters tall and stretching 32 meters long, was a prominent landmark since its unveiling. "As we bid farewell to this beloved sculpture, we are thankful to Jeff Koons and his team for creating such a magnificent work that became an iconic part of our city," QM stated on Saturday.

Initially, the stainless steel sculpture was to reside in Doha for six months before and after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The piece, symbolizing Qatar’s marine heritage, quickly became a cherished feature of the cityscape.

The announcement was met with an outpouring of regret from the Qatari artistic community, many advocating for the sculpture to remain in Doha. Hassan Al Herz emphasized the significance of Koons’ work in enriching the local art scene and connecting Qatari culture to the international community. "We need more installations from the pop art movement," Al Herz told Doha News.

The Dugong, highlighting awareness about the marine mammal's population decline, was commissioned by QM and unveiled in November 2022. The event was attended by QM Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Ashghal President Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, and Koons himself.

Qatar hosts the world’s second-largest dugong population, with herds of 600-700 in its waters. However, due to coastal pollution and habitat loss, the species is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Bosco Menezes, who collaborated on a calendar project featuring the Dugong, expressed a deep connection to the installation, echoing the sentiments of many who appreciated its cultural and artistic impact.