Advocates Fight to Protect New Deal Art in Historic D.C. Building

Activists work to prevent sale of Depression-era murals from government building

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:46am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Advocates are working to prevent the sale of New Deal-era murals housed in a historic government building in Washington, D.C. Mary Okin, an art historian, has expressed deep concern over the fate of these Depression-era artworks, which could be at risk of being sold off by the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The New Deal murals represent an important part of American history and cultural heritage from the 1930s. Their potential sale raises concerns about the preservation of public art and the government's responsibility to protect historically significant works, especially those created through New Deal programs.

The details

The murals in question are located in the Department of the Interior building in downtown D.C. They were commissioned as part of the New Deal's Federal Art Project, which employed artists to create public works during the Great Depression. Advocates fear the Trump administration may seek to sell off these murals, which could lead to their dispersal or destruction.

  • The New Deal murals were commissioned and created in the 1930s as part of the Federal Art Project.
  • Advocates have recently expressed concern over the potential sale of the murals by the Trump administration.

The players

Mary Okin

An art historian who has become concerned about the fate of the New Deal-era murals in the Department of the Interior building.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I became very concerned about what is gonna happen to all these objects,”

— Mary Okin, Art Historian

What’s next

Advocates plan to continue lobbying the government to preserve the New Deal murals and prevent their sale or dispersal.

The takeaway

The potential sale of these historic New Deal murals highlights the ongoing challenge of preserving public art and cultural heritage, especially when faced with changing political administrations that may not prioritize these efforts.