Banksy Paris
Banksy Paris
FROM THE EXHIBITION TO A MUSEUM
BANKSY MUSEUM PARIS
What started as a temporary exhibition in 2021 has now become a permanent institution.
The exhibition “The World of Banksy – The Immersive Experience” was shown in both Paris and Barcelona and both cities/organisers have now decided that these exhibitions must remain and have opened two Banksy Museums.
Over 100 Banksy works are on display. But beware: these are not original works. Local artists recreated the Banksy stencils and sprayed them themselves.
Nevertheless, this is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Banksy’s world and art. His works are topical, honest and painful at the same time.
My Rating:
The Positives:
It's interesting to see the full range of Banksy's work in one place! Well suited for families with teenagers!
The Negatives:
They are not "real" Banksys. His stencils were used by local artists.
Tip:
The "Walled Off Hotel§ can be added to the ticket for EUR 6.
Last Modified:: 24.04.2024 | Céline
BANKSY PARIS
TICKETS
The details
at a glance
Prices
EUR 14 for people aged 13 and over
EUR 12 for children up to 12 years
free admission for children up to 4 years
The Walled off Hotel can be booked for another EUR 6:
Total then:
EUR 20 for people aged 13 and over
EUR 18 for children up to 12 years
free admission for children up to 4 years
Banksy Paris
Photo Gallery
WHAT IS THERE
TO SEE?
The museum first presents quotes in which Banksy satirises the art world and even himself. Examples include statements such as “Copyright is for losers” or “Commercial success is a mark of failure for a graffiti artist”.
The basement in Paris exudes an authentic street credibility, characterised by grey concrete and sparse light. This place seems predestined for a Banksy exhibition.
But a surprise awaits visitors here: there is a romantic work of art in this collection. And what’s the story behind the UFOs in this work? The former is said to have come from a flea market, while the UFOs are undoubtedly by Banksy himself. This might be an homage to Picasso, who was known for decorating Vogue covers with sometimes grotesque drawings.
Despite such unconventional elements, the collection also includes classic Banksy works that immediately reveal his unmistakable style. His best-known symbol, the rat, floats away on the cork of a champagne bottle… It listens to music from a ghetto blaster (the “I-Paw”) in a rapper’s outfit or even becomes an artist itself by being caught red-handed writing on a wall with red paint.
The politically influenced works include the Statue of Liberty with a bloody torch and gas mask and the demonstrator throwing a bouquet of flowers – the original of the latter work can be viewed in the Moco Museum Amsterdam.
THE
WALLED OFF-HOTEL
The “Walled Off-Hotel” – another political work that really exists. Rooms can be booked – but there are only 9 rooms and one suite. The price starts at $60 for a bed in a shared dormitory.
It is located in Bethlehem, and the rooms look directly onto the concrete wall that separates Israel from Palestine. (Since October 2023, this conflict has been quite topical again…)
He opened the hotel in March 2017, and it was fully booked for several months straight away. And this even though the area is not particularly “good” and the rooms supposedly only get 25 minutes of daylight. And Banksy also sells the hotel as the hotel with the “worst view in the world”.
The reproduction of some rooms of this hotel can therefore be seen in Paris (and also at the Banksy Museum in Barcelona). The wall is also on display right next to the hotel in Barcelona. In Paris they have changed the situation a bit since our last visit, so I can’t comment on that right now.
Why did he call it the “Walled Off Hotel”?
It’s supposed to be a play on words that connects the Waldorf luxury hotels and the wall next to it.
Why did he open it?
It is located in an area of the Palestinian city that is completely subject to Israeli security control. It does, however, meet this flavour. As the website states: “Our Palestinian management and staff extend a warm welcome to young Israelis who come with an open heart.” The aim is to stimulate productive political dialogue locally and around the world. The hotel will also showcase Banksys artwork and that of other contemporary artists.
The wall on site was also painted by Banksy, even before he opened the hotel. Here you will find the graffiti “Love Is In The Air (Flower Thrower)” (2003) and “Girl With Balloon”.
If you want to know more about this hotel, here is the article I read about it.
Picture of the wall from the Banksy Museum in Barcelona:
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2023 – 2024
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