Artist Sues for $25 Million After Dallas Whale Mural Destroyed

A Texas artist has filed a $25 million lawsuit over the destruction of a whale mural he created in Dallas. According to NBCDFW, the federal lawsuit seeks at least $25 million and alleges the iconic artwork was painted over without the artist’s consent.

Why Robert Wyland Filed a $25 Million Lawsuit

The artist is Robert Wyland and weeks after his mural was destroyed he is taking action and a lawsuit has been filed. The mural had been created in Dallas in 1999, and the lawsuit filed was against FIFA, FIFA affiliates and the owners and managers of the building where the artwork stood. The artwork was destroyed without his knowledge or consent as Dallas prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup-related activities.

The lawsuit seeks $25 million in damages and alleges violations of the federal Visual Artists Rights Act, a law that provides protections for certain works of visual art.

READ MORE: Longview Unveils New Mural Honoring Pop Watch Icons

The History of Dallas' Famous Whale Mural

The mural was known as “Ocean Life” also known as Whaling Wall 82, it was approximately 17,000 square feet on the side of a downtown Dallas building. The mural showed life-sized whales and other marine life that had become a recognizable part of the downtown skyline.

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Why the Wall Was Repurposed for FIFA Projects

A spokesman for Slate Asset Management said that the company was approached by Downtown Dallas Inc. and the North Texas FIFA World Cup organizing committee in March 2026 with a request to donate the wall space at 505 N. Akard Street for a new public art installation by a local Dallas artist.

The spokesperson said Slate was not compensated for the use of the wall and “was told that Mr. Wyland had been notified.”

Only time will tell if Mr. Wyland is awarded any of the $25 million he is seeking in damages, attorney fees, and other relief. We will try to keep you updated as this case progresses.