Banksy's Piranhas moved to London Museum storage for 2026 display

Banksy's 'Piranhas' artwork, a spray-painted police sentry box transformed to look like a fish tank filled with piranhas, has been moved into protective storage ahead of its permanent display at the London Museum's new Smithfield location, set to open in 2026. The piece was part of Banksy's animal-themed London collection that appeared across the city in August 2024, including other works featuring a rhino, elephants, monkeys, and a gorilla, some of which were removed or vandalized. The sentry box, originally positioned in Ludgate Hill since the 1990s, was temporarily relocated to Guildhall Yard for public viewing before being donated to the museum by the City of London Corporation. The museum, formerly known as the Museum of London, closed its London Wall site in 2022 and underwent rebranding in 2024, with a £222 million investment from the City of London Corporation to support its relocation and expansion. Officials emphasized the significance of securing Banksy's work, describing it as a unique cultural asset and a star attraction that links contemporary street art with the city's rich history. The London Museum aims to draw millions of visitors annually and create over 1,500 jobs, showcasing the artwork as part of its growing collection that now spans from Roman graffiti to modern street art.