Banksy’s Vibrant Mural in the New London Museum
The buzz surrounding the upcoming London Museum is palpable as it prepares for its grand opening next year.
Among its most impressive exhibits is a police box transformed by the enigmatic street artist Banksy, featuring a striking mural of a piranha.
This vibrant piece, crafted during Banksy’s remarkable nine-day tour of London last summer, will have a permanent spot, certain to capture the imagination of visitors.
This whimsical police box, now resembling an underwater wonderland, is one of nine animal-themed artworks Banksy unveiled last August amid the bustling streets of London.
Other notable pieces in this series highlight a touching interaction between a rhino and a car, elephants extending their trunks toward each other, and cheeky monkeys swinging from a bridge, all echoing the artist’s playful spirit.
Exciting Developments at the New Venue
Slated to open in Smithfield, central London, in 2026, the museum has proudly secured the donation of this iconic mural thanks to the City of London Corporation, which oversees the capital’s financial hub.
Director Sharon Ament is thrilled about incorporating a Banksy piece into the museum’s collection.
She described it as a rare and exciting opportunity to showcase work that resonates with people.
According to Ament, Banksy’s art possesses a unique ability to evoke joy, energy, and heartfelt emotions.
His creations not only celebrate art but also make it accessible to everyone, reminding us how treasured these community moments are.
A Rich History and Future Plans
The police box itself has an intriguing history.
Originally installed on Ludgate Hill in the 1990s, it later relocated to Guildhall Yard after Banksy publicly claimed his work.
Although it spent some time in the museum’s storage, it’s now ready to take its rightful place in this new venue.
Transitioning from its previous space near the historic London Wall—a vestige of Roman heritage—the London Museum is set to move to the energetic Smithfield area.
With a substantial investment of £222 million from the City of London Corporation for this endeavor, alongside enhancements at the nearby Barbican Centre, the museum aims to attract around two million visitors annually while also generating over 1,500 jobs.
When Banksy’s enchanting animal murals first appeared, they ignited intense discussions and varied interpretations about their meanings.
The Pest Control Office, which supports the artist, has emphasized that these works ultimately invite viewers to draw their own conclusions, encouraging personal reflection and imaginative thinking.