Rocky and Bullwinkle Get a Little Work Done on The Sunset Strip

The iconic Rocky and Bullwinkle sculptures “got a little work done” on The Sunset Strip this past Friday in true West Hollywood fashion. Moose and Squirrel were surrounded by scaffolding in preparation for their most recent paint job (they only needed a little bit).

According to a WeHo Arts social media post, the dynamic duo needed a touch-up to and some work to protect them from the elements.

“Like many WeHoans, Bullwinkle is getting a little work done,” reads the post. “Stay tuned for a few days from now when he and Rocky will be looking good from a little touch up and better protected from the elements.”

However, it didn’t take a couple of days. A visit to their new home on corner where Sunset Boulevard splits onto Holloway drive the following day, Saturday, August 29th, shows the likeness of Rocket J. Squirrel and Bullwinkle J. Moose looking shiny and new. Photos submitted by WEHO TIMES contributor Mike Pingel, reveal that the scaffolding is gone.

Rocky and Bullwinkle moved back home to the Sunset Strip on February 28 of this year.  They vanished from the strip in 2013 and were away for about 7 years. The statue used to be located at 8218 Sunset Boulevard, across the street from the Chateau Marmot. The original art piece used to spin on its pedestal (the new sculpture stands in place).

The restored 14-foot, 700-pound statue was slated to have a proper unveiling ceremony on March 28th, but the city of West Hollywood cancelled all public gatherings in accordance with guidelines set forth by The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Safer at Home Order. The coronavirus pandemic robbed the art installation of its red ribbon moment. The sculpture was unveiled with zero fanfare.

The Rocky and Bullwinkle statue dates back to 1961. The original artist is unknown, but the art piece was restored by Ric Scozzari in 2014. The art installation was Donated by the Ward Family for City of West Hollywood’s Urban Art Collection.