Artistic Controversy: Banksy’s Piranha Sculptures Set to Move into the London Museum

PA Media These individuals will not be part of the exhibition Banksy’s piranhas artwork is set to become a permanent public display next year at the London Museum, which is expanding into its new premises in Smithfield. The piece features fierce fish inhabiting an aquarium created from a police sentry box and was included as part of the artists animal-themed series across London last summer.

Nine artworks were displayed over nine days in August 2024, showcasing creative interpretations such as a rhino mounting a car, two elephants with their trunks reaching towards each other, and three monkeys swinging on a bridge. The museum acquired this particular piece after the City of London Corporation agreed to donate it to the attraction.

Sharon Ament, director of the London Museum, expressed her excitement about adding Banksy’s work inside: “The only thing better than having a Banksy appear on our walls is displaying one within.” She continued by highlighting that no other artist engages with people as profoundly and authentically as Banksy does. “Its always special when a Banksy pops up at the end of your street, bringing art to everyone,” Ament said.

The sentry box, which had been located in Ludgate Hill since the 1990s, was temporarily moved to Guildhall Yard after confirming it was by Banksy. It will be kept in storage at the London Museum before its final placement within the new premises. The City of London Corporation has allocated 222 million toward both the museum’s relocation and expansion plans for the Barbican Centre.

With an anticipated annual visitor count exceeding two million and over 1,500 jobs created, Ms Ament called this acquisition “a great gift for the people of London.” The exhibition promises to provide a unique blend of graffiti art in a more traditional museum setting.