The Beverly Hills City Council voted on August 5, 2025, to deaccess and destroy the original fiberglass “Hymn of Life: Tulips” sculpture by artist Yayoi Kusama, located in Beverly Gardens Park, while approving $36,000 for its storage, transportation, and destruction. The decision paves the way for a more durable steel replica, addressing years of damage to the original artwork.
Installed in 2007 for $306,000, the fiberglass sculpture suffered cracks and metal armature rusting due to weather and public interaction.
"The artwork sustained damage from weather and intense public interaction specifically to the leaves and flower stems, which resulted in cracks in the fiberglass and metal armature rusting." said the assistant director for community services, recapping the artwork’s history.
In 2015, a steel fence was installed to protect the sculpture, but the damage was deemed irreparable. In 2019, the council approved refabrication in steel by Art Bronze, but the project faced delays when the foundry closed during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The original was loaned to the New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG) for a 2020 exhibit, with NYBG covering transport and minimal restoration costs. It has since remained in storage, accruing $30,000 in costs, with an additional $6,000 for destruction.
The new steel sculpture, fabricated by The Big New foundry, is in its final phase, with completion expected soon. The council authorized the city manager to amend the loan agreement with NYBG and approved the deaccession, ensuring the original’s destruction per city ordinance.
"It’s $30,000 for storage costs and then $6,000 for crating transportation dumpsters and labor." noted Council Member Wells, seeking clarity on expenses.
Council members expressed support for the new sculpture, expected to return to Beverly Gardens Park next month, pending final approvals. The decision reflects the city’s commitment to preserving its public art while addressing practical challenges of maintenance and durability.
Comments (0)