Spoonbridge solo as Minneapolis Sculpture Garden’s cherry goes to New York for restoration

The famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden will look different for the next couple of months.

The sculpture’s cherry was removed Tuesday, temporarily, for restoration and repainting, according to Walker Art Center representatives.

The 1,200-pound aluminum cherry was unbolted and separated from the Spoonbridge base, in preparation for a trip to New York for the restoration.

Walker Art Center representatives said the harsh conditions of the Minnesota winters have dulled the cherry’s color over time, so the touch-ups will be in an effort to return it to its original glossy red color.

The Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture has been on view at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden since 1988 and was last restored in 2009.

Fine Art Finishes in New York is doing the restoration work.

The cherry is expected to return to Minneapolis in mid-January.