Where Are Banksy Paintings?
Banksy’s enigmatic, satirical art has made waves across the globe, from street corners to high-profile museums and galleries. His iconic works have captivated audiences from the very beginning, with their bold political messages and unique aesthetic. Whether you’re hunting for his public street murals, seeking authenticated pieces or unique pieces in museums galleries, this guide will show you where to find the most iconic Banksy works.
Banksy’s Street Art in the United Kingdom
London: A Haven for Banksy Enthusiasts
London boasts some of Banksy’s most famous street works, murals, and prints. Although many have been removed or defaced, several still remain:
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“There Is Always Hope” (The Balloon Girl Girl with Balloon): A poignant mural near South Bank, this image has become one of Banksy’s most iconic motifs. Despite the simplicity of the imagery, the work has come to symbolise Banksy’s instantly relatable and inherently human style.
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“The Falling Shopper” (Mayfair): A mural of a woman tumbling from a shopping cart, critiquing consumerism, located on Bruton Lane.
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“Choose Your Weapon” (Shoreditch): A powerful piece featuring a hooded figure with a Keith Haring-inspired dog on Rivington Street, recalling the slogan of then Prime Minister David Cameron, ‘Hug a Hoodie’. Holding a dog inspired by Keith Haring’s Icons series, this piece is one of the few Banksy works where he draws from original street art iconography.
Bristol: Where It All Began
Banksy’s hometown, Bristol, is a treasure trove of his early works. Key locations include:
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“The Grim Reaper” (M Shed): Originally painted on a moored ship, this haunting figure now resides in the M Shed museum. One of the artist’s most recognisable motifs, the piece shows the figure of the Grim Reaper subverted through the artist’s typical dry humour and wit.
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“You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Build Castles in the Sky” (Lower Lamb Street): A whimsical piece celebrating creativity.
The Great British Spraycation
In 2021, Banksy left a trail of murals across UK coastal towns, dubbed the “Great British Spraycation.” Notable pieces include:
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Lowestoft: A mural of a child building a sandcastle with a cone positioned as a castle turret.
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Great Yarmouth: An elderly couple enjoying a ride on a bench seesaw, poking fun at holiday culture.
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Cromer: A stencilled crab holding a sign reading “Luxury rentals only.”
International Banksy Murals
Paris: The City of Love and Protest
Banksy’s works in Paris often carry messages about migration and human rights:
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“The Rat with a Scarf” (Pompidou Centre): A clever and subversive commentary on urban resilience.
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“Napoleon Crossing the Alps” (Rue Victor Cousin): Banksy reimagines Napoleon with his cape obscuring his face, questioning authority.
Bethlehem: The Walled Off Hotel
Banksy’s politically charged murals can be found in Bethlehem, particularly near the separation wall:
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“Flower Thrower” (West Bank): A striking mural of a protestor throwing a bouquet of flowers instead of a weapon. This has become one of the most quintessential Banksy motifs.
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“Armoured Dove”: A peace dove wearing a bulletproof vest, symbolising fragile peace.
Museums and Galleries Featuring Banksy Works
Banksy’s works aren’t confined to the streets - authenticated pieces are also displayed in prestigious museums and private galleries. At Andipa Editions, we are proud to always offer a selection of Banksy artworks and prints for sale, perfect for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the infamous street artist.
London
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The British Museum: Hosts Banksy’s “Di-faced Tenner”, a satirical take on British currency featuring Princess Diana.
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The Design Museum: Showcased Banksy’s “Gross Domestic Product” shop pieces in an exhibition exploring art and activism.
Bristol
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M Shed Museum: Houses “The Grim Reaper” and other locally significant works.
New York
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The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Frequently features pieces by Banksy, such as his satirical take on consumer culture.
Amsterdam
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Moco Museum: Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the Moco Museum exhibits Banksy’s authenticated pieces, including “Laugh Now” and “Girl with Balloon.”
Los Angeles
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Street Art House: Features rotating exhibitions of authenticated Banksy works, offering a deep dive into his career.
Discover Banksy Works at Andipa Gallery
For collectors who admire Banksy’s playful wit and cultural commentary, owning a piece of his art is a unique opportunity. At Andipa Gallery, we offer a curated hand-picked selection of authenticated Banksy artworks, including rare originals and editions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the art world, we would be delighted to help you find the perfect addition to your collection.
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