Banksy versus Bristol
Bristol's City Museum & Art Gallery is proud to present a unique collaboration between the city's foremost cultural institution and one of the region's most infamous artists.
Banksy has gained notoriety in recent years by using stencils to paint images on a diverse array of outdoor locations. This is the first exhibition in a three storey Edwardian museum.
Throughout the summer, visitors will find some unusual specimens amongst the museum's permanent collection. A stonehenge made from portable toilets greets visitors on arrival, a burnt out ice cream van now replaces the enquiries desk and the life size historic biplane suspended from the ceiling now provides refuge for a Guantanamo bay escapee. Banksy has filled the museum with his own wry take on classical art.
The City Museum & Art Gallery is situated in an Edwardian Baroque building in Queen's Road, next to the Wills University building in the Clifton area of the city. Inside you will see collections of regional, national and international importance. It is one of the few museums to have been awarded designated status by the Government - the mark of an outstanding museum.
Museum director Kate Brindley said it was a huge relief to finally be able to talk about the exhibition, and admitted they had taken a "risk". Plans for the summer show were kept from Bristol City Council chiefs the day before it was due to open.
Bristol has had a love-hate relationship with Banksy since he started stencilling on the city's walls in the 1990s. There is likely to be criticism of the decision to stage an official expo of his work. "We ran a bit of a risk," said Ms Brindley, "but we knew that it was just the right thing for the city. "Equally there's so many people in Bristol who just love Banksy, and internationally. He's a megastar."We're a gallery that wants to work with contemporary artists - he's our home-grown hero."
The artist himself was involved in setting up the exhibits and came to the museum to oversee its installation, but staff were unaware who he was among the crew setting up the show.
Bristol's City Museum & Art Gallery
Queen's Road, Bristol. BS8 1RL
Opening hours: Open Daily, 10am-5pm
Admission : Free entry to the museum and all exhibitions and activities
Get 2 .. Bristol versus Banksy
Use this journey planner provided by Transport Direct, to find your way to the exhibition by public transport or car.
