Although the exhibition has not been authorised by Banksy himself – entirely in keeping with the philosophy of an artist who uses anonymity as a weapon – it has been curated with great care, depth and a clear respect for his body of work. Curator Virginia Jean, together with an international team of graffiti artists, has reconstructed over 150 iconic Banksy motifs, including works that have been removed from the real world, painted over or have disappeared for good into private collections. It is precisely this that creates a rare opportunity: a concentrated, tangible introduction to a body of work that is normally scattered across streets, walls and continents.
Inside, you are not merely guided past works of art; you are immersed in the contrasts that make Banksy’s work so incisive, relevant and timeless. Humour and anger, poetry and protest, hope and cynicism alternate in spaces where raw street energy and carefully constructed scenography come together.
It feels almost natural that the exhibition is being held in Rotterdam. The city is just like Banksy: raw, honest, creative, outspoken, with a big heart and little patience for pretence. The vibrancy of the Kop van Zuid, with its blend of history and modern ambition, is a perfect fit for an exhibition that links the history of street art with the issues of today.
The result is that you don’t simply view the exhibition, but experience it. You sense why Banksy is one of the world’s most expensive and influential artists, even though nobody knows what he looks like. You realise how a single stencil, a single spray can, a single image can spark whole debates. House of Banksy leaves you with questions, a sense of wonder and, at times, a feeling of unease. Exactly as Banksy would have intended.
Are you visiting House of Banksy and want to be sure of a parking space? Simply book your parking space online at Q-Park de Rotterdam or Q-Park Boston & Seattle Terrein. Would you prefer to park somewhere else in Rotterdam? Then take a look at our full range of car parks in Rotterdam.
At Q-Park de Rotterdam or Q-Park Boston & Seattle Terrein, you can park from €40 per day. Book your parking space online in advance to guarantee a space. You can easily enter and exit using your number plate, so there’s no need to stop at the payment machine.