Banksy’s piranhas artwork will be displayed permanently at the London Museum, which opens next year. This piece was part of a series launched in 2024, which also includes various animal-themed works. The City Of London Corporation donated the artwork, with the museum receiving substantial funding for relocation and expansion, aiming to significantly increase visitor numbers and create jobs.
Banksy’s piranhas artwork will have a permanent home at the new London Museum in Smithfield, opening next year. This piece depicts an aquarium of fierce fish created from a police sentry box and is part of the artist’s animal-themed series launched in summer 2024. Other notable works from this series include a rhino on a car and two elephants reaching towards each other.
The City Of London Corporation voted to donate the piranha piece to the museum, which marks a significant acquisition for the attraction. Director Sharon Ament expressed excitement, stating that having a Banksy showcased inside the museum is an extraordinary opportunity that connects deeply with the public.
Additionally, the sentry box had been situated in Ludgate Hill since the 1990s and was moved to Guildhall Yard after Banksy confirmed authorship. The piece will be temporarily stored at the museum until its permanent exhibit space is ready.
The relocation effort, supported by a £222m budget from the City Of London Corporation, aims to draw in two million visitors annually and create over 1,500 jobs, enhancing the cultural landscape near the Barbican Centre. Ament described the acquisition as “a great gift for the people of London.”
The acquisition of Banksy’s piranhas for the London Museum represents an exciting development in the city’s artistic offerings, enhancing public access to significant contemporary art. The museum’s upcoming relocation promises to boost tourism and job creation in the area, making it an important cultural hub.
Original Source: www.bbc.com