The statue of American singer Jim Morrison, which went missing from his grave in Père-Lachaise cemetery in 1988, has been found 37 years later. The French police stumbled upon the bust while searching for a suspect in a fraud case and announced its discovery on social media.
Conceived by Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin as a tribute to Morrison, who died of cardiac arrest in his bathtub at age 27, the sculpture was placed on top of his headstone in 1981. The statue became a popular spot for fans, with many visitors leaving flowers and taking photos. However, it disappeared seven years later.
Rumors swirled about its disappearance, including claims that authorities hid it to protect it or that two fans stole it on a moped. In 1994, two Americans were arrested for attempting to recreate the bust without permission.
The statue’s current whereabouts remain uncertain, with the Père-Lachaise cemetery curator stating that no contact has been made by police regarding its return. The discovery of the bust is described as an “unusual” one by French authorities.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/may/19/jim-morrisons-long-lost-graveside-bust-turns-up-during-french-police-search