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The Walled Off Hotel, March 2017

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The Walled Off Hotel
Bethlehem, March 2017

 

The Worst View of Any Hotel in the World

www.walledoffhotel.com

 

The Walled Off Hotel is a boutique hotel, located in Bethlehem, designed by Banksy alongside other creatives and notable academic Dr. David Grindon. Established in March 2017, and initially set out to be a temporary exhibition, the hotel has since attracted nearly 140,000 visitors, thanks in part to its location opposite the portion of the Israeli West Bank Barrier separating Bethlehem from the holy site of Rachel’s Tomb. The hotel is considered to be a key piece of social commentary on the Palestinians affected by the Israeli-Palestine Conflict and billed as having “the worst view of any hotel in the world”.

 

The Walled Off Hotel is features more than 20 new Banksy originals. As always the case with the artist, it mixes art, politics, and tourism in a very effective way. On the ground floor, a museum commemorates “a hundred years since the British took control of Palestine and helped kick start a Century of confusion and conflict.” On the upper level, another exhibition hall exhibits local Palestinian artists, among them Suleyman Mansour. All rooms are decorated with original artworks by Banksy and local Palestinian artists.

“Britain got its hands on Palestine in 1917 and the piano bar is themed
as a colonial outpost from those heady days.”

 

It is equipped with languid ceiling fans, leather bound couches and an air of undeserved authority. Guests can peruse a collection of Banksy artworks that include vandalized oil paintings and statues choking on tear gas fumes. Warm scones and freshly brewed tea are served daily on fine bone china and the Walled Off Salad should not be missed.”

“This place is the center of the universe
every time God comes to earth it seems to happen near here.
The architecture and landscape are stunning, the food delicious
and the current situation remarkable and touching.
This is a place of immense spiritual and political significance – and very good falafel.
We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”

Opening of the Walled Off Hotel (March 2017)


Elton performing at the opening party of the Walled Off Hotel

The Walled Off Hotel

Welcome to the Banksy Art Hotel in Bethlehem

Scenic Rooms


“The hotel boasts floor to ceiling views of graffiti-strewn concrete from almost every room. And for the exhibitionists amongst you, Many are within range of the army watchtower. All scenic rooms are en-suite and equipped with wifi, fridge, radio, personal safe and air conditioning.”

“This palatial suite is equipped with everything a corrupt head of state would need.
A plunge bath able to accommodate up to four revelers, original artwork, library,

home cinema, roof garden, tiki barn
and a water feature made from a bullet riddled water tank.
Comes with a complete set of Dead Sea bath minerals.
And an in-room dining service available upon request.”

Donald Trump Visit (May 2017)


Donald Trump’s visit to Bethlehem was announced on Banksy’s Instagram account on 24 May 2017. The picture of the presidential suite and the video clip of the Trump motorcade were removed a week later…

Gift Shop (September 2017)


Opening of The Gift Shop – September 2017

On 17 September 2017, Banksy announced the opening of the Gift Shop at the Walled-Off Hotel, on Instagram, with two items: Hand-painted mini souvenir Separation Wall and Grappling Hook.

“Opened a gift shop today – situated at the back of the Walled Off Hotel. Not to be confused with the “Banksy shop” next door which has nothing to do with me at all. Hand painted mini souvenir separation walls now available.”

 

Separation Wall

Grappling Hook

Banksy Nativity Set – 21 December 2019

 
A bittersweet reminder for us comfortable westerners that Christmas is not a celebration of peace, joy, and overeating for everyone. In Banksy’s own words: “Scar of Bethlehem. A modified nativity set for the @walledoffhotel”

The Alternativity


The Alternativity
A Play directed by Riham Isaac and Danny Boyle
3 December 2017

 
The Alternativity is an alternative Christmas play by UK director Danny Boyle and performer Riham Isaac. It was premiered on 3 December at the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem.
 
A documentary about the performance has been screened on BBC 2 on Sunday 17 December at 9 PM. It follows Danny Boyle overcoming the “many restrictions” to find a cast, crew and local children, and put together the show in six weeks.
The performance took place on 3 December and was co-directed by Bethlehem-based Riham Isaac. Another video shows local children singing in Arabic while rehearsing. Banksy created a promotional image for the documentary showing a drone watching over the nativity scene.

Two New Murals on 3 December 2017

 
At that occasion, Banksy dropped a couple of stencils… On 3 December, two street art pieces were unveiled.
The first one depicts two angels trying to open up the Segregation Wall with a crowbar. The same idea was used for the mural that will be exhibited at the World Travel Fair in London.
The second one is a text-based stencil with a sharp message in the center of Bethlehem.

World Travel Art Fair (November 2018)


Banksy announced on his Instagram on 3 November 2018 that he would “attend” the World Travel Art Fair, in London, on 7-8 November 2018, to promote the Walled Off Hotel and travel to Palestine.
 

Opening my first ever stall at a trade fair next week. I’ve painted a replica separation barrier to promote the Walled Off hotel, ironically the neighbors have complained it’s too tall. We’ll be at Palestine stand giving away free stuff, World Travel Fair, London Excel center 6th and 7th November. Free to get in if you register online today and pretend to be a travel agent.

 
Banksy announced he would hand-out 1,000 free Palestine Posters each day at the fair…

Free Palestine poster.
Be advised we only have 1000 posters to hand out each day at the tourist fair.

You can download one from the website at http://www.banksy.co.uk

 
The posters were handed out personally by the Walled Off Hotel Manager Wissam Salsaa.

Originals Exhibited


Rural Landscape
Leopard and Sheep
Bulldozer
Children Climbing the Heaven’s Gate
Love Hurts
Watchtower
Flower Behind Bars
CNN
Deer Behind Bars
Alpine Landscape

Thrower
Jesus with Drones
Angels with Oxygen Masks
Adonis with Tear Gas