21-Foot Glowing 'Cry Baby Cry' Statue Sparks Backlash in Tulsa

Neighbors near Cry Baby Hill push back against planned public art installation

Mar. 3, 2026 at 1:55am

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Residents near Cry Baby Hill in Tulsa are voicing opposition to a planned 21-foot tall glowing 'Cry Baby Cry' statue, calling it an eyesore and a poor use of community funds. The City of Tulsa says it must follow the original contract, but is working to address placement concerns and move the artwork as far from homes as possible.

Why it matters

The proposed 'Cry Baby Cry' statue has become a divisive issue in the Tulsa community, with some viewing it as an unwelcome addition to the neighborhood and a misuse of public resources. The debate highlights ongoing tensions around public art projects and the need to balance community interests with contractual obligations.

The details

The 21-foot tall 'Cry Baby Cry' statue is planned for installation on Cry Baby Hill, a local landmark in Tulsa. Neighbors have raised concerns about the size, lighting, and placement of the artwork, arguing it will be an eyesore and negatively impact their quality of life. The City of Tulsa says it must follow the original contract for the public art piece, but is working to address community feedback on the statue's placement.

  • The 'Cry Baby Cry' statue is planned for installation on Cry Baby Hill in Tulsa.

The players

City of Tulsa

The local government entity that commissioned the 'Cry Baby Cry' public art installation and is working to address community concerns about its placement.

Tulsa Residents

Neighbors living near Cry Baby Hill who have voiced opposition to the planned 21-foot tall glowing statue, citing concerns about its size, lighting, and impact on the surrounding area.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The City of Tulsa is working to address community feedback and determine the best placement for the 'Cry Baby Cry' statue that balances the original contract and community concerns.

The takeaway

The debate over the 'Cry Baby Cry' statue highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing public art initiatives with the needs and preferences of local residents. The outcome of this issue will likely set a precedent for how Tulsa approaches future public art projects and community engagement.