Image: Banksy's piranha artwork (City of London Corporation)
The police box featuring the artist’s piranha fish artwork moves from City streets to permanent display at London Museum, following gift approval by City officials.
A City of London Police box, spray-painted by artist Banksy, is to be exhibited at the new London Museum when it reopens next year.
Last summer, the artwork appeared in the street as one of a series of animal-themed pieces. It features a shoal of piranha fish spray-painted onto the glazing of a police sentry box, which had been located on Ludgate Hill since the 1990s.
Following confirmation from the artist that it was his work, the entire box was relocated by the City of London to the South Ambulatory of the Guildhall Yard, with help from London Museum staff.
Now, Members of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee voted in favour of gifting the ‘piranhas’ artwork to the London Museum, which will open next year.
The artwork will now be moved again, from Guildhall and placed temporarily in London Museum’s stores before it goes on permanent public display in 2026.
Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said:“When the piece appeared in the City and being acutely aware of Banksy’s popularity, we relocated it swiftly to protect it and ensure that it could be viewed safely and retained for future generations to enjoy.
“The piece, alongside the Museum’s wider collection, will tell the story of London’s unique and diverse history. The new London Museum is just one of the many attractions that visitors can explore and experience in the Square Mile, and I know this artwork will delight all who see it.”
Director of London Museum, Sharon Ament, added: “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. 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.”
