Grants provide $250K to fix Miro mural in Wichita

The money comes from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The mosaic, which measures 28 feet by 52 feet, was installed in 1978 across the south facade of the Ulrich Museum of Art.

The outdoor mural, called Bird People, depicts several surrealist birds.

The studio in France that created the mural based on a Miro painting affixed about 1 million pieces of Venetian glass and marble to particle board. Kansas' extreme weather caused pieces to pop off, sometimes as many as 400 a year.

Officials estimate the restoration will cost $3 million and take about five years.

The museum continues to seek donations from the public.

To view historical images that outline the original project and the artwork's unveiling, or to make a donation, visit the museum's website at http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=ulrichmuseum

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