Jim Morrison’s Stolen Gravesite Statue Finally Found

After nearly four decades shrouded in mystery, the bust of The Doors’ Jim Morrison, stolen from Père Lachaise cemetery, has finally resurfaced. The marble sculpture, once a key fixture atop the iconic musician’s grave in Paris, was found 37 years later—in a place and manner no one expected.

The discovery came not during a search for stolen art, but amid a completely unrelated fraud investigation conducted by French police. Authorities have revealed few details so far, leaving lingering questions about who stole the bust, where it has been hidden all these years, and whether it will be returned to Morrison’s gravesite at Père Lachaise.

A representative for the Morrison estate expressed relief, telling Rolling Stone that the family was “happy to hear the news” of the bust’s recovery. “Obviously 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,” the rep added.

Originally sculpted by Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin, the bust of Morrison was unveiled in 1981, marking the 10th anniversary of the singer’s death. For seven years, the sculpture stood watch over Morrison’s grave, though not without wear. Fans often covered the bust in graffiti and chipped away pieces as keepsakes. A recent photo shared by French officials following its rediscovery shows the bust heavily marked with writing and still missing its nose.

Since its disappearance in 1988, rumors have swirled about its fate. Not long after the incident, Globe magazine published a claim from two anonymous fans taking credit for the theft. Meanwhile, Vanity Fair noted speculation that the Père Lachaise administration might have removed the statue themselves in an effort to preserve it from further vandalism.

Regardless of how it vanished, Morrison’s grave has remained a sacred site for fans of The Doors. Thousands have visited over the years, leaving graffiti and mementos, and even inscribing directions to the tomb on neighboring gravestones.

Now, with the long-lost bust of Jim Morrison found 37 years later, admirers may once again hope to see it restored to its rightful place—guarding the final resting spot of one of rock’s most enduring legends.