Rediscovered Bust of Jim Morrison Found After 37 Years

After 37 years, the ultimate bohemian icon sculpture of Jim Morrison, frontman of The Doors has been found once again. It was in 1917 that they stole it from his grave in Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris. Croatian sculptor Mladen Mikulin made the bust and placed it on Morrison’s grave in 1981. The bust disappeared on May 9, 1988. According to the public prosecutor’s office, investigators found it accidentally. In fact, they were investigating an entirely unrelated case of fraud when they stumbled across the initial discovery.

The 280-pound (128-kilogram) white marble sculpture has served as a major pilgrimage site for fans since its installation. Each day, Morrison’s grave is visited by fans who leave messages, candles, and flowers in honor of their beloved poet. Since being stolen, the art piece had been under 24 hour video surveillance to prevent further vandalization or theft.

Even for the many decades of its absence, the rediscovered bust seems to have stayed largely intact. With the exception of the broken nose, it’s a beautiful structure, covered in colorful graffiti. Many of these damages existed at the time the sculpture first went missing. At the time, Benoît Gallot, curator of Père Lachaise cemetery, said he was unsure what would happen to the sculpture’s future.

“The police haven’t contacted us, so I don’t know whether the bust will be returned to us,” – Benoît Gallot

Gallot acknowledged that the sculpture is certainly compromised, but the value remains staggering. It’s still important, both to the cemetery and to Morrison’s fans. The recent rediscovery of the bust has ignited new discussions regarding the importance of preserving cultural artifacts. Most importantly, it brings a sharp focus on the need for stronger protection around these irreplaceable historic places.

That announcement, of the sculpture’s rediscovery, was made on May 19, 2025. As fans eagerly await further information regarding its fate, the story of Jim Morrison’s bust serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the legendary musician and the ongoing dedication of his admirers.