Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Matt Sepic
Minneapolis

Workers make quick progress dismantling 'Scaffold' at Walker

Most of the wooden pieces had been removed.
Most of the wooden pieces of the structure had been removed by Sunday morning, June 4, 2017. Only the metal supports and staircase remain.
Matt Sepic | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Workers are making quick progress removing a controversial art installation from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

By Sunday morning, crews from a Dakota construction company had pulled down and cut up the heavy wooden timbers that formed the bulk of 'Scaffold.'

The work by artist Sam Durant was meant to be a commentary on capital punishment. It referenced gallows used in seven hangings throughout American History-- including the execution of 38 Dakota men in Mankato in 1862.

That drew a sharp rebuke from the Dakota community, who say they were never consulted about the work before its installation. After meeting with Dakota elders, the Walker Art Center -- which runs the sculpture garden -- ordered 'Scaffold' removed.

Durant has vowed never to erect it again, and has promised to transfer the intellectual property rights to the Dakota people.

Gallery
3 of 3
A worker tosses a splintered piece of wood from 'Scaffold.'
A construction worker tosses a splintered piece of wood from 'Scaffold' into a dumpster on June 4, 2017.
Matt Sepic | MPR News
1 of 3
Most of the wooden pieces had been removed.
Most of the wooden pieces of the structure had been removed by Sunday morning, June 4, 2017. Only the metal supports and staircase remain.
Matt Sepic | MPR News
2 of 3
Workers cut up the wood and put it in construction dumpsters
Workers cut up the wood and put it in construction dumpsters on June 4, 2017. They're dismantling the controversial sculpture, "Scaffold" at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Matt Sepic | MPR News