A groundbreaking art installation in Des Moines, known as Greenwood Pond: Double Site, is set to be demolished due to safety concerns and high repair costs. The artwork, completed in 1996 by New York artist Mary Miss, is a celebrated example of land art and offers different perspectives of a small wetlands. However, the design and materials used in the installation have made it susceptible to Iowa’s extreme weather conditions.
The Des Moines Art Center, which sits near the pond, has been given permission by city officials to begin the demolition process as soon as next week. The removal of Greenwood Pond: Double Site is expected to take months and will require heavy equipment to be brought to the site, the draining of the pond, and the construction of new paths. The cost of repairing much of the artwork has been estimated at $2.6 million, with ongoing maintenance costs expected to be even higher.
Mary Miss has expressed shock at the art center’s decision to remove her artwork, stating that it violates a contract from 1994 that requires the museum to maintain the piece. The removal of the artwork has sparked outrage from Miss, other artists, and arts organizations. The Cultural Landscape Foundation has been organizing efforts to oppose the demolition, calling Greenwood Pond: Double Site a milestone in the land art movement.
The art center defended its decision to remove the artwork, citing concerns about safety and the well-being of visitors to the park. Portions of the installation have been blocked off with fencing due to hazards. Art center Director Kelly Baum emphasized that every decision made by the institution is for the benefit of guests and to create a secure and welcoming environment that fosters trust and creativity.
Greenwood Pond: Double Site was considered a highpoint in Mary Miss’ career and one of the few prominent land artworks created by a woman in a field dominated by male artists. The artwork offers unique perspectives of the wetlands through wooden decks, gravel paths, and metal walkways. Its removal will require significant effort and resources, with the art center funding the project from its budget, without the use of city funds.
The demolition of Greenwood Pond: Double Site underscores the challenges faced by outdoor art installations in extreme weather conditions and the ongoing debate surrounding the preservation of public art. The removal process is expected to be completed over several months, with the art center facing backlash from artists, art advocates, and the wider community. The loss of the artwork highlights the complex relationship between art, nature, and preservation in the public sphere.
