Banksy's Piranha Collection Heads to London Museum's Exhibition Space
In a highly-anticipated move, Banksy's iconic Piranhas mural will be displayed at the London Museum's new Smithfield home in 2026. The mural, which first appeared on a police sentry box in London's financial district in August 2024, is now part of the museum's extensive collection that spans from Roman graffiti to contemporary art.
Painted by the anonymous street artist known for his distinctive stencil graffiti art, the Piranhas mural transformed the sentry box into a depiction of a fish tank, teeming with a ghostly shoal of ghoulish piranhas. Each morning in August, London became a zoological guessing game due to the Banksy series, which included nine animal-themed interventions installed across the city over nine consecutive days.
The Piranhas mural ranked first among the series, becoming the consensus favourite among Banksy-watchers. However, the works in the series were not without their challenges. They were subject to vandalism, interference from rival taggers, or local authorities. The City of London Corporation removed the booth and initially displayed it at Guildhall Yard before storing it.
Critics suggest that the Piranhas mural alludes to Damien Hirst's pickled shark, and may comment on surveillance and policing. Closer inspection reveals that the fish in the mural are piranhas with serrated teeth, a detail that adds depth to the interpretation of the work. The mural is said to "rehabilitate" Damien Hirst's now-blunted shark, offering a fresh perspective on the debate between these two influential artists.
The London Museum's relocation project, expected to cost $280 million, is anticipated to draw two million visitors a year. The museum's new Smithfield home is part of this ambitious project, promising a state-of-the-art facility for the display and preservation of its extensive collection. The Banksy work is set to have a starring role in this new museum, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most iconic pieces of street art in recent history.
Instagram users speculated on the meaning of the latest apparitions in the series, such as a wolf howling from a satellite dish, pelicans looting a fish shop sign, and a goat poised precariously over Kew Bridge. The Banksy series, in addition to the Piranhas mural, included works featuring monkeys swinging from a bridge, elephants peering from Chelsea windows, and a rhinoceros mounting a Nissan Micra. These works, along with the Piranhas mural, continue to spark debate and intrigue among art enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
As the London Museum prepares for its grand opening in 2026, the Piranhas mural stands as a testament to the power of street art and its ability to captivate audiences and challenge perceptions. The mural's journey from the streets of London to the hallowed halls of the museum is a testament to the enduring appeal of Banksy's work and the impact it continues to have on the art world.
