diff --git a/fastplotlib/layouts/_plot_area.py b/fastplotlib/layouts/_plot_area.py
index 9522832d3..819efa205 100644
--- a/fastplotlib/layouts/_plot_area.py
+++ b/fastplotlib/layouts/_plot_area.py
@@ -373,6 +373,12 @@ def add_graphic(self, graphic: Graphic, center: bool = True):
             Center the camera on the newly added Graphic
 
         """
+
+        if graphic in self:
+            # graphic is already in this plot but was removed from the scene, add it back
+            self.scene.add(graphic.world_object)
+            return
+
         self._add_or_insert_graphic(graphic=graphic, center=center, action="add")
 
         graphic.position_z = len(self)