Banksy's Piranha Artwork Finds Permanent Home at New London Museum

In August 2024, the elusive street artist Banksy unveiled a series of nine animal-themed artworks across London, captivating both residents and visitors. Among these, a particularly striking piece transformed a City of London Police sentry box on Ludgate Hill into an aquarium-like display, featuring a shoal of piranhas spray-painted onto its glass panels. This artwork, now confirmed as an authentic Banksy creation, is set to become a permanent exhibit at the London Museum's new Smithfield location, scheduled to open in 2026.

The sentry box, which had stood near The Old Bailey and St Paul's Cathedral since the 1990s, was repurposed by Banksy to resemble a fish tank teeming with piranhas. The use of translucent paint gave the illusion of the fish swimming within the confines of the box, blending seamlessly with the urban environment. Upon Banksy's confirmation of the artwork's authenticity, the City of London Corporation acted swiftly to preserve the piece. The sentry box was relocated to Guildhall Yard, where thousands of visitors viewed it from behind safety barriers. It was later moved to Guildhall’s South Ambulatory for further protection.

In February 2025, the City of London Corporation's Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee voted to donate the 'piranhas' artwork to the London Museum. The museum, formerly known as the Museum of London, is undergoing a significant relocation to the historic Smithfield market, with plans to open in 2026. The City Corporation has pledged £222 million to the museum, which is expected to attract two million visitors annually and create over 1,500 jobs.

Sharon Ament, Director of the London Museum, expressed her enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "The only thing better than having a Banksy appear on the walls of London Museum in Smithfield or Docklands is having a Banksy on display inside." She added, "No other artist connects with people so profoundly, with such vigour, humour, and honesty than Banksy."

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, highlighted the significance of the acquisition, noting, "The piece, alongside the Museum’s wider collection, will tell the story of London’s unique and diverse history." He emphasized the importance of preserving such artworks for future generations to appreciate.

Banksy's transformation of a police sentry box into an artwork featuring piranhas can be interpreted as a commentary on authority and surveillance, themes recurrent in his work. The decision to preserve and display the piece in a major public institution underscores the evolving relationship between street art and formal art institutions. It also reflects a broader societal recognition of street art's cultural value and its role in public discourse.

The London Museum's relocation to Smithfield is part of a broader initiative to enhance the city's cultural landscape. The museum's new home is expected to attract a diverse audience, offering insights into London's rich history and contemporary culture. The inclusion of Banksy's 'piranhas' artwork aligns with the museum's mission to showcase the city's dynamic and evolving artistic expressions.

As the London Museum prepares for its grand reopening in 2026, the addition of Banksy's 'piranhas' artwork serves as a testament to the enduring impact of street art and its place within the broader narrative of London's cultural heritage. Visitors can look forward to experiencing this unique piece firsthand, reflecting on its artistic significance and the conversations it continues to inspire.