As a result of the many myths and mysteries surrounding this deliberately enigmatic artist, 'Banksy' more embodies a concept or ideology than an individual, and anyone exposed to a large selection of his work (in this 'museum' for example), will quickly ascertain that the Banksy ideology is very anti-commercial, anti-consumerist and anti-capitalist (among other things). As such, the very concept of adapting and reproducing his art in a for-profit 'museum,' complete with high ticket prices and a gift shop, goes against the very ideology of the work on display, and is therefore paradoxical and ridiculous. None of the work in this museum is endorsed by Banksy, none of it has been licenced from him (he doesn't licence his work), in fact none of the work in this museum is actually by Banksy - they are reproductions of works the anonymous artist has alleged done around the world. All of which is to say that this is not a Banksy Museum; there can be no such thing as a Banksy Museum, because it would contradict much of what the artist stands for. So.
What is the Kraków Banksy Museum?
Kraków's Banksy Museum was created by Hazis Vardar, who operates several similar Banksy attractions in major cities around the world. To create the Kraków 'museum' he gave a team of anonymous (hmm...) Polish artists access to a former factory space in Kazimierz - Marcin Jarra's Plated, Silver and Metal Products Factory from 1886 - and asked them to reproduce works by the star street artist directly on the walls. Inside the post-industrial interiors, visitors can encounter over 150 works attributed to or associated with Banksy, including not just murals, but also some short videos, paintings and graphics, plus quotes by the artist. The huge exhibit stretches over 1000 square meters and several floors, and each piece is accompanied by a photograph of the original work by Banksy, with information (in Polish and English) about when and where it was originally created. The Banksy Museum is more expensive than most Kraków museums and the space is specifically designed - with absolutely no sense of irony, self-awareness or cheek - so that visitors exit through the large gift shop, where you have an opportunity to buy a wide range of products with Banksy's designs printed on them.Is the Kraków Banksy Museum Worth Visiting?
While controversial (at least in our opinion it should be), the Banksy Museum does have some unique advantages, and whether or not to visit is an ideological decision each individual gets to make on their own. We ponied up and learned a lot about Banksy, his principles and beliefs - which are clearly conveyed through his art. The Banksy Museum allows you to see more of his work in one place than would otherwise be possible, outside of a photo album or slideshow. When you are looking at art that is a facsimile of the original, it becomes less about the actual artistry of the piece and more about its meaning. Because Banksy's art is so politically charged, this attraction spreads his message, which we assume is the primary reason he tolerates places like this profiting off of his work and cultural status. The difference between seeing one of his works in a public space, or even online, and seeing over 150 of his works at once, is that you get a fuller sense of the artist's beliefs, philosophy and humour; it's impact is more greatly felt and the artist himself actually comes off as more of a visionary with a specific ideology than the trickster or prankster that he is sometimes portrayed as.
Average visiting time: 1hr.
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