Hey there Banksy fans! Ready to dive into the brilliant world of Banksy street art in Bristol? Get ready for an artsy adventure as you discover some of Banksy’s earliest work hidden around the city streets that will absolutely leave you in awe. So, grab your walking shoes, your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover the incredible world of Banksy art in Bristol!
Who is Banksy?
From just another kid on the streets of Bristol with a can of spray paint to a world famous street artist. Who the heck is Bansky?
Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director known for his distinctive stencil-based graffiti art. Born in Bristol in 1974, he was involved in the wave of street art that took Bristol by storm in the 1980s. Banksy’s work gained significant attention in the early 2000s and he has become one of the most famous and influential contemporary artists in the world with his art found on streets, walls, and bridges in cities around the globe. His art often contains social and political messages and he is known for his satirical and thought-provoking pieces.
The identity of Banksy is not publicly known and his mysterious persona and ability to address important issues through his art have contributed to his widespread popularity and intrigue. Despite his anonymity, Banksy’s art has been exhibited in various galleries and museums, and his pieces have been sold for substantial amounts of money at auctions.
So get ready to get inspired by the man, the myth, the legend that is Banksy as you embark on an expedition to discover Bansky in Bristol.
Must-See Banksy Street Art in Bristol:
Check out our Banksy street art map below and get ready to go on a visual treasure hunt. With so many Banksy murals and masterpieces waiting to be discovered, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your walking shoes on and your camera fully charged.
1. The Mild Mild West:
Head to the heart of Bristol’s cultural quarter, Stokes Croft to discover where Banksy painted one of his earliest and most popular murals, The Mild Mild West. The artwork, showing a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Police, was created over three days in broad daylight in 1999, in response to various raves held in abandoned warehouses around Bristol in the 1990s. The artwork is popular with the local community who consider it a symbol of the heritage around Stokes Croft. For the best view of this piece, head to Jamaica Street Junction.
2. Well-Hung Lover:
Towards College Green and Park Street, you’ll find one of Bristol’s most famous streets – Frogmore Street, which houses one of Banksy’s most famous pieces. Among the trendy clothing stores and quirky gift shops, look up to find a scandalous scene of a man hanging from a window, escaping his mistress’s husband.
3. The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum:
One of the freshest Banksy pieces to arrive in Bristol, The Girl With The Pierced Eardrum originally appeared on the side of a building in Bristol’s Harbourside but has since relocated to Bristol Marina. Look for a clock tower and burger van and you’ll spot this beauty.
4. Grim Reaper:
One of the most infamous Banksy’s in Bristol, Grim Reaper was originally painted on the side of the Thekla Social boat moored in Bristol Harbour. To protect it from damage and wear it was removed from this location and is now on display in Bristol’s M Shed Museum (scroll down for more M Shed info).
5. You Don’t Need Planning Permission To Build Castles In The Sky
In the city centre, near Bristol cathedral you’ll find one of Banksy’s most simple pieces, You don’t need Planning Permission To Build Castles In The Sky. Painted in 2011, this sweet stencilled street art is tucked down a small road behind the Central Library called Lower Lamb Street. Originally positioned to create a smiley face, the words are in a smiling arc under two small windows, the building has since seen a door added and one window removed, but this only adds to the piece’s quirky charm.
6. Take The Money And Run
One of Banksy’s earliest and longest surviving works in Bristol, Take The Money And Run depicts the silhouettes of three thieves against a colourful backdrop. Painted collaboratively with street artists Inky and Mobz, Banksy painted this piece freehand rather than with his signature stencils. Check it out on the wall opposite the Old England Pub on Bath Buildings Road.
7. Valentines Bansky
Banksy confirmed this mural on Marsh Lane in Barton Hill was his on Valentine’s Day 2020. Close to the youth club he frequented as a young man, Banksy painted a girl firing a catapult full of red flowers onto the side of a house. The piece has experienced vandalism on a number of occasions but serves to spread love in the backdrop of anger.
Other Ways to Experience Bansky in Bristol:
1. Go on a Bristol street art tour:
Want to dive deeper into the Banksy street art scene? Join a Bristol street art tour and go on a journey through the city’s creative heart, discovering the street art home of Banksy and exploring over 30 years of street art and graffiti art history. Discover hidden gems, learn about the stories behind the art, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture that makes Bristol a Banksy a street art haven.
2. Attend a paint and sip session:
Looking to unleash your own creativity? Join one of our paint and sip sessions and let your inner artist shine. No experience required – just a willingness to have a great time, create some art, and sip on your favourite drinks. It’s a casual and fun way to connect with friends and embrace your artistic side.
3. Keep an eye out for Banksy Festivals and Events :
Street Art Bristol Outdoor Escape Game:
Questo City Exploration Games hosts interactive outdoor city games across the globe so keep your eye out for their street art inspired quests! An interactive activity where you are guided by a mobile app through the city packed with fun clues, challenges and interesting facts about the incredible street art.
Upfest:
Europe’s largest street art festival, Upfest is a biannual event and one of the city’s largest free-to-attend festivals. A highly anticipated event on Bristol’s cultural calendar, you do not want to miss Upfest 2024 with a stellar line-up of events planned featuring more than 300 artists painting live, music, stalls and activities.
4. Visit a Museum and Art gallery
Upfest Gallery:
While you are counting down the days on your calendar for Upfest, checkout The Upfest Gallery situated on North Street, Bedminster. Open Tuesday through Sunday, it’s Bristol’s longest running urban art gallery, with regular exhibitions from some of the top Bristol, UK and International graffiti and street artists. The Gallery offers Bristol’s widest selection of Urban, Illustration and Contemporary artwork alongside a bespoke framing service, limited run artist t-shirts and books.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery:
Open Tuesday through Sunday and with FREE entry, you can explore collections of art, nature and history on display in a stunning piece of architecture in the city centre. Open the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery doors to an exploration about the last billion years of Earth’s history, exploring the region’s natural wonders. At the entrance you will be able to see Banksy’s Paint-Pot Angel, which is a reminder of the hugely successful ‘Banksy versus Bristol’ Museum exhibition from 2009.
M Shed Museum:
Take a 20 minute stroll over Prince Street bridge to Wapping Wharf and discover the M Shed, a museum all about Bristol. Experience amazing film and photographs, listen to moving personal stories, encounter rare and quirky objects and add your own memories of Bristol through the interactive displays. From prehistoric times to the present day, M Shed tells the story of the city and its unique place in the world.
Explore the Different Functions Offered by Pinot & Picasso’s Here!
Ready to explore more ways to experience creativity and art? Check out the variety of functions offered by Pinot & Picasso. Whether you’re planning a team-building event, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a unique way to spend your day, we’ve got you covered.
