The iconic Banksy artwork, “Piranhas,” originally spray-painted onto a City of London Police sentry box, has been moved into secure, protective storage as it awaits its permanent public display at the new London Museum. The groundbreaking institution, set to open its doors at the historic Smithfield site in 2026, will feature the celebrated street art piece as a key attraction, celebrating London’s rich culture and creativity.
The “Piranhas” artwork first captured public attention in August 2024, appearing as part of Banksy’s acclaimed animal-themed street art series across the capital. The piece, featuring a shoal of piranha fish vividly depicted on the glazing of a police sentry box that had been a fixture on Ludgate Hill since the 1990s, quickly became a trending topic. Following confirmation from the elusive artist himself, the City of London Corporation took swift action to protect the artwork.
Initially, the sentry box was relocated to Guildhall Yard, where thousands of Londoners and visitors queued to view it from behind safety barriers. It was later moved to Guildhall’s South Ambulatory. Recognizing its cultural significance, members of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee voted to gift the “Piranhas” artwork to the new London Museum. This acquisition ensures the artwork’s longevity and accessibility for future generations.
“Banksy’s ‘Piranhas’ are already part of City legend – and soon, they’ll be part of London’s story, too,” stated Brendan Barns, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee. “Moving this piece into the care of London Museum guarantees that millions of people will be able to enjoy it, alongside an extraordinary collection that celebrates the capital’s creativity and diversity.” This sentiment is echoed by Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, who added that the artwork will become one of the museum’s star attractions, protecting a unique slice of the City’s story.
Sharon Ament, Director of the London Museum, expressed her enthusiasm, noting that the acquisition extends the museum’s collection from Roman graffiti to contemporary street art. “This work by one of the world’s most iconic artists now belongs to Londoners, and will keep making waves when it goes on show next year in the Museum’s new Smithfield home,” she remarked. The new London Museum, a significant £437 million project, is a partnership between the City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority, aiming to transform the Square Mile into a global arts capital.
The current move into protective storage is a crucial step in the conservation process. The artwork will be safeguarded until the new museum is ready to unveil it to the public in 2026. This development is part of a broader strategy to enhance London’s appeal as a business and visitor destination, expected to draw two million visitors annually and create over 1,500 jobs. The decision to preserve and display the “Piranhas” artwork underscores its value as a piece of contemporary London culture and its contribution to the city’s vibrant society.
