David Rubenstein Purchases ‘Blue’ Sculpture for National Gallery

Philanthropist David Rubenstein has recently acquired the modern sculpture, “Blue,” previously located at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Rubenstein paid over $2 million for the artwork.

The sculpture was removed from the Kennedy Center grounds on September 2, and will eventually find a new home in the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery of Art. Rubenstein, who serves as the chairman of the board of trustees at the National Gallery, plans to oversee its relocation there.

Rubenstein was formerly the chairman of the Kennedy Center but was removed from his position by President Donald Trump in 2025. The acquisition of “Blue” was initially reported by the New York Times.