Banksy’s iconic Piranhas police sentry box artwork, which captured public attention last year, is set to go on permanent display at the new London Museum. The renowned street artist’s piece, featuring a traditional City of London Police sentry box ominously filled with piranhas, will soon be part of the museum’s extensive collection of cultural and historical exhibits.
A symbol of Banksy’s urban artistry
The Piranhas artwork first appeared as part of Banksy’s animal-themed series across London, which included a stretched black cat on a billboard, a pelican on Bonners Fish Bar in Walthamstow, and a gorilla seemingly lifting a shutter at the entrance to London Zoo. These striking images reinforced Banksy’s reputation for blending art with social commentary, using urban spaces as his canvas.
Following confirmation from Banksy himself that the sentry box was his work, the City of London Corporation swiftly relocated it to Guildhall Yard, where thousands of visitors viewed it from behind protective barriers. More recently, the piece was moved to Guildhall’s South Ambulatory, a temporary resting place before its journey to the London Museum.
A historic acquisition for the London Museum
The decision to permanently house the artwork in the museum was made after the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee voted in favour of gifting the piece.
Sharon Ament, Director of the London Museum, expressed her excitement over the acquisition, saying:
“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. No other artist connects with people so profoundly, with such vigour, humour, and honesty than Banksy.”
She emphasised the unique appeal of Banksy’s work:
“If you’re lucky, a Banksy will appear at the end of the road in which you live, and it’s always a moment when one does. Banksy brings art to the streets, and it’s for everyone. We are that, too, in the context of a museum, of course, so what a great acquisition and gift to have for the people of London – a City of London Police Box, filled with piranhas.”
The museum, which is set to open in its new location at Smithfield Market in 2026, will serve as a major cultural and historical centre for London, showcasing artefacts that tell the story of the city’s past and present.
Relocation and future display plans
Before its final installation at the London Museum, the Piranhas police sentry box will be carefully removed from Guildhall this year and temporarily stored in the museum’s conservation facilities. Museum officials have confirmed that great care will be taken to preserve the integrity of the artwork during its transfer and eventual display.
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The move comes as part of a broader £222 million investment by the City of London Corporation into the new museum. This ambitious project aims to transform the north-west section of the Square Mile into a global cultural hub, enhancing London’s reputation as a leading destination for both business and tourism.
London’s cultural renaissance
The London Museum, alongside the nearby Barbican Centre, is expected to attract an estimated two million visitors per year and generate over 1,500 new jobs. This investment is seen as a major step in reinforcing London’s status as a world-class centre for arts and culture.
Banksy’s inclusion in the museum’s permanent collection signifies the growing recognition of street art as an important part of contemporary cultural heritage. His works, often satirical and politically charged, have resonated with audiences worldwide, making him one of the most influential artists of his generation.
A lasting legacy in the heart of London
As preparations begin for the museum’s grand opening, the arrival of Banksy’s Piranhas sentry box is expected to be a major highlight. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the artwork up close, appreciating its subversive wit and powerful social commentary in a new setting.
With London embracing street art as part of its rich cultural fabric, the display of Piranhas at the London Museum marks a new chapter in the city’s artistic landscape. For many, it is a fitting tribute to an artist whose work has continuously challenged perceptions and sparked conversations around the world.
