The world’s biggest Banksy exhibition is reportedly coming to Manchester

Manchester is set to host the world’s biggest Banksy exhibition as part of its critically-acclaimed world tour, according to reports.

The Art of Banksy has already graced a number of major global cities on its tour, including Toronto, Tel Aviv, Miami, Melbourne, Sydney, and Gothenburg.

And next year, it is set to arrive in Manchester, where it will showcase some of the street artists’ best work and lesser known gems in a purpose-built gallery within the First Street development on River Street.

The plot has previously been used to host major events such as Pride and Homeground.

Manchester City Council and HOME are reportedly involved in the build of the new space, which will happen between Monday September 5th and Thursday September 22nd 2022.

There, a selection of prints, canvasses, screen prints, and limited-edition pieces dated between the years 1997 to 2008 will be displayed for visitors to see up close. 

The exhibit will also feature the artists’ more recognisable pieces, such as ‘Girl and Balloon’, ‘Flower Thrower’ and ‘Rude Copper’, as well as some of Banksy’s lesser-known masterpieces.

Once open, visitors will reportedly be able to access the gallery from 10am – 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10am – 7pm Sunday to Thursday. 

Exact opening dates are yet to be confirmed, although it’s rumoured that it will be open to the public from late September until January 2023.

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Banksy, whose identity has never been revealed, is one of world’s most infamous artists, renown for his politically-motivated street art and explosive ‘pranks’.

Back in 2018, he organised for his ‘Girl with a Balloon’ piece to be put through a shredder just moments after it had been sold at auction for £1.4m. Funnily enough, the shredded-version of piece shot up in value, making it more valuable than ever before.