Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

dismaland calais

Banksy's theme park taken apart to build refugee shelters

After five weeks and 150,000 visitors, the artist’s take on Disneyland is no more.

land PA PA

BANKSY’S DYSTOPIAN THEME park Dismaland is being dismantled today before being shipped to a migrant and refugee camp near Calais in France to make shelters.

Featuring a ruined fairytale castle, a crashed Cinderella coach and miserable stewards wearing Mickey Mouse ears, the ‘bemusement park’ was designed to satirise commercialised tourist attractions.

After five weeks and 150,000 visitors, the attraction in the faded seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare in southwest England shut down last night.

It is now being taken apart and parts of it will be sent to a migrant and refugee camp in Calais, where thousands of people from troubled countries like Syria are living in squalid conditions and hoping to cross into Britain.

“Coming soon… Dismaland Calais,” a message on the attraction’s website reads.

“All the timber and fixtures from Dismaland are being sent to the ‘jungle’ refugee camp near Calais to build shelters. No online tickets will be available.”

ref PA PA

Dismaland featured an exhibit showing crammed migrant boats circling the waters near the White Cliffs of Dover, the first sight of Britain for many people who cross the Channel from France.

As well as works by Banksy, who keeps his true identity secret, the attraction also hosted pieces by Syrian, Israeli and Palestinian artists.

damon albarn Damon Albarn PA PA

A farewell concert featuring Pussy Riot, De La Soul and Damon Albarn was held at Dismaland on Friday night.

WATCH: The trailer for Banksy’s Dismaland has arrived

PHOTOS: Banksy’s take on ‘the happiest place on earth’

Your Voice
Readers Comments
25
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.