The bronze statue of Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise, located on Highway 90 in Biloxi, Mississippi, currently features metal spikes installed by the city to deter birds from roosting on the figure’s head. While the installation prevents bird-related discoloration, the aesthetic impact has drawn criticism from the statue’s creator, Mary Ott Tremmel Davidson, and the Biloxi Beautification Commission.
The Conflict Between Preservation and Aesthetics
Since its installation in September 2022, the statue has faced recurring maintenance challenges. According to the City of Biloxi, birds resting on the bronze figure caused significant discoloration. To mitigate this, the city installed spikes in 2023. While effective at preventing waste accumulation, the spikes have been widely compared by tourists to a “punk rock” hairstyle, leading to the viral “Punk Rock Fred” internet meme.
Mary Ott Tremmel Davidson, the artist who designed the statue, has been vocal about her disapproval. “It was never intended to have anything on him,” Davidson stated. She noted that the current solution is “more obtuse” and distracting from the intended artwork. Vincent Creel, representing the Biloxi Beautification Commission, confirmed that his organization formally requested the removal of the spikes prior to a re-dedication ceremony held on June 27, 2026, due to concerns over the statue’s appearance.
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The spikes were temporarily removed by the city in mid-2026 to “spruce up” the area for a re-dedication ceremony, but they were reinstalled less than a month later after the bird-related maintenance issues persisted.
Future Outlook for Public Art Maintenance
The situation in Biloxi highlights a growing tension between the preservation of public art and the realities of urban environmental management. City officials acknowledge that the current spikes are a temporary measure. A spokesperson for the City of Biloxi indicated that the municipality is actively seeking an alternative, less intrusive bird deterrent.
Creel noted that Biloxi is not the first municipality to encounter these issues, suggesting that the city is currently evaluating other methods to protect the bronze sculpture. The primary goal remains finding a solution that balances the long-term structural integrity of the statue—which is prone to damage from wildlife—with the artistic vision of the sculptor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Fred Haise statue have spikes on its head?
The City of Biloxi installed the spikes to prevent birds from landing on the statue, which was causing discoloration and damage to the bronze finish.
What does the artist think about the spikes?
Mary Ott Tremmel Davidson has publicly stated that she wishes the spikes were not there, describing them as distracting and “more obtuse” than other potential solutions.
Are the spikes a permanent addition?
No, the City of Biloxi characterizes the spikes as a temporary measure while they search for a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing way to protect the statue from birds.
Has the city attempted to remove them?
Yes, the spikes were removed in June 2026 for a re-dedication ceremony but were reinstalled shortly thereafter when the bird-related maintenance problems returned.
Have you visited the Fred Haise statue in Biloxi? Share your thoughts on the bird deterrent solution in the comments below, or subscribe to our local news newsletter for updates on the statue’s restoration efforts.
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