Street Artist Banksy's Unofficial Exhibit Opens Saturday In Philly

PHILADELPHIA — The mysterious street artist Banksy has been putting his mark on buildings since the 1990s.

While his art in the real world is almost as elusive as his identity, art connoisseurs in the Philadelphia area can get a glimpse at his work via a new exhibition.

Banksy Was Here: The Exhibition, an "unauthorized" Banksy exhibition, will open Saturday at Philadelphia Fashion District.

The exhibition will run through January 31, 2023.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Sunday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Christmas Eve hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and New Year's Day hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission starts at $22.90. Children under four free, and discounts available for seniors, students, military, and groups of 15 or more.

Get tickets here.

Banksy Was Here invites guests into the universe of one of the most mysterious and elusive artists in the world.

The selection of masterpieces as well as a unique virtual reality experience gives Philly residents the opportunity to enjoy a highly educational and descriptive voyage through the artist’s world and career.

"Banksy's work allows us to see our everyday world in a different way," said Exhibition Hub Executive Producer John Zaller. "This approach will appeal to everyone who comes to Banksy Was Here, whether they are seeing the artist's work for the first time or the hundredth. The exhibit design provides a different perspective to all who enter: it transports you to a whole other place that is totally unexpected and entirely engaging - similar to Banksy's work."

The exhibition will feature over 80 original works, sculptures, installations, videos and photos including the classics of the legendary artist.

Banksy has been known to question the rules of the game of contemporary art, and is considered one of the main figures of street art.

These pieces, which come from private collections and in collaboration with Lilley Fine Art/ Contemporary Art Gallery, will be exhibited in Philadelphia for the very first time.

"Philadelphia is the perfect city to debut Banksy Was Here because of its love of art and its gritty personality," Zaller said. "Philadelphians know what they want and they take pride in knowing who they are, just like Banksy. The Fashion District is a fantastic central location right in the middle of the city. And our venue right at the corner of 9th and Market has an industrial and commercial feel that is the perfect backdrop for Banksy Was Here."