The world’s largest authenticated collection of works by the artist Banksy is now on display in Tampa. The Art of Banksy. opened today at Straz Center (1010 N Maccines Pl), showcasing 160 pieces by the famed artist worth more than $35 million.
The private Banksy collection has been touring the globe, with more than 1 million tickets sold throughout its journey. Works include prints, canvases, screenprints, sculptures, hand-drawn sketches, limited-edition pieces, and more. The exhibition features iconic works such as ‘Girl with Balloon’, ‘Flower Thrower’ and ‘Rude Copper’, alongside lesser-known masterpieces like the Brad Pitt-owned piece ‘Mona Lisa.’
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Part of what makes the experience unique is the venue itself, The Straz. Those used to wandering museum halls when going to galleries are in for something new. The Art of Banksy. is set up on the theatrical stage at Straz Center, giving the iconic pieces a literal centerstage treatment. Walking onto the stage itself with the theater lights dimmed low adds an air of mystery and anonymity to the experience that befits its namesake artist.
In addition to the 160 pieces by Banksy, the exhibition also partnered with beloved local artists for murals lining the entrance, including famed area artists like Miss Crit and Frankie G.
The gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday and you must select specific windows to visit. VIP experiences are also available. The Straz has not yet announced the ending date, so we’d recommend acting on this one soon, to be safe. Full ticket information can be found here.
Earlier this week, our That’s So Tampa team got a sneak peek at the stunning display. Here’s a piece of what we saw.
