Parts of the mostly-wood installation date back to 1989, and in recent years portions have deteriorated to the point where they have been fenced off for safety since 2023.

The Des Moines Art Center, a contemporary art museum in Iowa, has reached a settlement with artist Mary Miss after a dispute over the destruction of a decaying installation titled Greenwood Pond: Double Site that it commissioned from her in 1996.

DES MOINES, Iowa (CN) --- New York City artist Mary Miss and the Des Moines Art Center announced a settlement of Miss’ lawsuit Tuesday that will result in demolition of the outdoor art installation created on the edge of a lagoon nearly 30 years ago. Miss will be paid $900,000 in exchange for dropping her claims against the art center.

On 14 January, pioneering land artist Mary Miss and the Des Moines Art Center (DMAC) settled their ten-month legal battle over the demolition of Miss’s outdoor installation. The artist will receive $900,000 and DMAC will go forward with the demolition.