Jim Morrison’s Missing Grave Statue Found 37 Years After Mysterious Theft
One of rock’s most mysterious cold cases just got a resolution. French authorities have confirmed that the long-lost marble bust of Jim Morrison, which once adorned the singer’s grave at Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris, has been recovered — 37 years after it mysteriously vanished.
Originally placed in 1981 on the 10th anniversary of Morrison’s death, the bust — carved by Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin — became a pilgrimage point for fans. In 1988, it vanished without a trace. Rumors swirled over the years, including an outlandish tale that the 128-kilogram sculpture was stolen by two fans on a moped under the cover of night.
The Paris Police Prefecture confirmed that the statue resurfaced during an unrelated investigation by the Financial and Anti-Corruption Brigade. In a statement, they described the discovery as “a chance recovery” and acknowledged the bust’s importance as “an iconic symbol for the singer’s fans.”
While the exact details of the bust’s journey remain unclear, its future is still uncertain. Père-Lachaise curator Benoît Gallot noted that the cemetery has yet to be contacted by police. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Morrison family expressed hope, saying, “It’s a piece of history… one Jim’s family wanted there on his grave.”
Morrison’s grave has long been a site of fan devotion and controversy. After his death in 1971 at the age of 27, the location became infamous for impromptu parties, graffiti, and even riots. In 1991, a full-time guard was stationed at the site after a 20th anniversary gathering turned chaotic.
In one of the bust’s most infamous chapters, American fan Todd Mitchell was arrested in 1994 for trying to replace the stolen statue with a bronze replica. He’d spent thousands and spent eight months planning the operation, only to be caught mid-bolt by a guard — dog in tow. He and his nephew were briefly jailed, but released without charge. “Most people are destroying stuff in that cemetery,” he told the press. “I was trying to add something.”
Now, after nearly four decades of speculation and lore, the original Jim returns — at least in stone.
