French authorities have recovered the long-missing bust of Jim Morrison, the iconic frontman of The Doors, nearly four decades after it was stolen from his grave at Paris’s Père Lachaise Cemetery. The 300-pound sculpture, crafted by Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin and installed in 1981 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Morrison’s death, vanished in 1988 under mysterious circumstances.
The bust was discovered during an unrelated financial corruption investigation conducted by the Paris police’s Financial and Anti-Corruption Brigade. The Paris Regional Judicial Police Directorate announced the find on May 16, 2025, describing it as an “unusual discovery”.
Morrison, who died in 1971 at the age of 27, was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery, which also houses the graves of notable figures such as Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf. His gravesite has become a pilgrimage destination for fans worldwide. The bust, depicting Morrison’s likeness, was a focal point for visitors until its disappearance.
Over the years, the sculpture suffered damage from vandalism, including graffiti and the loss of its nose, reportedly removed by souvenir hunters. The theft led to increased security measures at the gravesite, including the installation of fencing and the posting of guards.
The Morrison estate expressed gratitude for the recovery of the bust. Jeff Jampol, the estate’s manager, stated, “It’s a piece of history, and one Jim’s family wanted there on his grave, so it’s gratifying to see that it’s been recovered.” He added that the condition of the sculpture would need to be assessed before any decisions about its reinstatement are made.
As of now, cemetery officials have not been contacted regarding the bust’s return to its original location. The discovery has reignited interest in Morrison’s legacy and the cultural significance of his final resting place.
