World's Worst Public Art: From Paris 'Butt Plug' To The Marilyn Monroe Statue, What’s The Ugliest?

Public art is great, it can enhance the surrounding environment, challenge passers-by or spark conversation but what happens when that work is confusing or just ugly? That debate has received new life after "Tree," a Paul McCarthy sculpture found in Paris' Place Vendome, went viral. While the 79-foot high green, inflatable structure resembles a Christmas tree, many think it looks more like a "butt plug" and vandals even deflated the artwork last the weekend. With this latest art scandal, let's take a look at some other ugly public art to determine the worst offender.

Forever Marilyn Statue

The giant Marilyn Monroe statue was unveiled in 2011 and while it was meant to celebrate the actress' iconic scene in "The Seven Year Itch," Seward Johnson's artwork has been met with much criticism. Longtime Chicago critic Richard Roeper eviscerated the Monroe statue, calling it "hideous" and noted all those tourists taking upskirt photos with the artwork. Virtualtourist.com also named Forever Marilyn as the world's worst public artwork in 2011. Lucky for Chicago, the sculpture found a new home in Palm Springs, Florida.

Covenant

The sculpture by Alexander Liberman may not seem too offensive at first until you find out that Philadelphia residents nickname for it: "Dueling Tampons." The abstract work has been called an "eyesore" by students at the University of Pennsylvania.

Le Pouce

Le Pouce, or "The Thumb," is just that: A giant severed finger on the side of the road. Created by César Baldaccini, the 40-foot tall sculpture can be found in Paris' La Defense district.

Lifesaver Fountain

The Lifesaver Fountain is a giant, bright bird that has an interesting message: recycling industrial waste to create something awe-inspiring. But for many it's just confusing. Created as a collaboration between Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, the artwork can be found at Königstrasse in Duisburg, Germany.

Mustang

The giant blue mustang by Luis Jimenez can be found at the Denver International Airport which features plenty of public art that ranges from weird to terrifying, including several pieces that have led to a slew of conspiracy theories.

Old Man River

Old Man River can be found in New Orleans' French Quarter. The stone sculpture just looks painful.

So what is the worst public artwork? Vote below!