Dallas whale mural painted over for World Cup artwork – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

This week, crews began painting over one of the most recognizable public artworks in Dallas, a massive whaling mural at 505 N. Akard St.

The mural, painted in 1999 by the artist Wyland, was part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness for conservation.

NBC 5 talked to people who stopped by the site Thursday, who described the work as nostalgic and symbolic of Dallas’ artistic identity.

“It was something beautiful in the middle of a concrete jungle,” said Ray Hostetler, who says he regularly passed the mural while walking to the Katy Trail.

Others described feeling shocked to see blue paint begin covering the mural without warning.

“I was a little disappointed to see just blue paint going up,” said Wally Waites, who works nearby. “I hope that there is something spectacular planned in its place.”

Photographer Mark Levine said he has photographed the mural for years and likened its removal to losing a piece of Dallas history.

“No matter what they put up, something is lost that’s just never coming back again,” Levine said.

After NBC 5 reached out for comment, a spokesperson with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee said the mural currently being installed is meant to “celebrate and build excitement for the upcoming World Cup 2026.”

According to the statement, the project is being completed in partnership with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee and 3PZ Property Company, which owns the building.

The spokesperson also said organizers “recognize the cultural and historical significance of Robert Wyland’s Whaling Wall 82” and that “a portion of the original mural will remain preserved as a tribute to its lasting impact on the city.”

The statement added that organizers look forward to unveiling “a new piece that captures this current historical moment and reflects the energy, unity, and global spirit surrounding the World Cup 2026 this summer.”