Marine artist Robert Wyland has filed a federal lawsuit over the removal of his downtown Dallas whale mural, turning a public art dispute into a legal fight tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Downtown Dallas Whale Mural Lawsuit Centers on Artist Rights

The lawsuit names FIFA, FIFA-related entities, 3PZ Property Company, LLC, and Slate Asset Management as defendants. Wyland alleges that his mural was painted over without notice, consultation or consent. The claims have not been tested in court.

The case involves “Ocean Life,” also known as Whaling Wall 82, a roughly 17,000-square-foot mural Wyland painted in 1999 on a building in downtown Dallas. The artwork showed life-sized whales and other marine animals and had become a familiar landmark for residents, visitors and commuters.

Wyland is seeking at least $25 million in damages and alleges violations of the federal Visual Artists Rights Act, a law that protects certain works of visual art.

Why the Whaling Wall 82 Dispute Matters

Wyland has said the dispute is not only about one painted-over mural, but about whether recognized public art and conservation-themed work can be removed without warning when a wall is needed for another purpose.

A spokesperson for Slate Asset Management said the company was approached in March 2026 by local downtown and World Cup organizing groups about donating wall space at 505 N. Akard St. for a new public art installation by a Dallas artist. The spokesperson said Slate was not compensated and was told by local groups that Wyland had been notified.

Wyland and the Wyland Foundation said they support excitement around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but believe major events should not come at the expense of public art or environmental stewardship.

The lawsuit now places the downtown Dallas whale mural dispute at the intersection of artist rights, property ownership, public art preservation and World Cup-related redevelopment.