Walking down Saint-Catherine Street, the heart of Montreal, you don’t exactly expect to stumble upon $35 million worth of art.
But there it was: "The Art of Banksy: Without Limits"—an exhibit that promised a street-art experience leveled up to museum status. I walked in thinking I knew Banksy, the British graffiti enigma, but left realizing I’d only scratched the surface. Let’s just say I learned more than the fact that he has a thing for rats.
Rats, Balloons, and a Dash of Rebellion
My intro to Banksy was through the sneaky rodents that have become one of his most iconic symbols. Back in 2018, I saw his “rat” works for the first time and was fascinated. Turns out, rats are the ultimate metaphor for graffiti artists. Just like these misunderstood creatures, graffiti artists operate in the shadows, dodging authorities, existing without permission. For some, they're pests. For others? They’re creating masterpieces that make you think, laugh, or get downright angry.
So, when I heard about the Montreal exhibit featuring 161 original works, I had to see it. It’s the largest Banksy collection in the world—valued at a whopping $35 million, no less. And yes, "Girl with a Balloon" and "Flower Thrower" were there, looking even better IRL than I imagined. You know that feeling when you’ve seen something a million times online, but then you stand in front of the real thing? Instant chills.
Art Hits Differently
What really blew my mind wasn’t just the art itself but how differently my girlfriend and I experienced it. As we flipped through our photos after the exhibit, we realized we’d been drawn to completely different pieces. It was like Banksy was whispering personalized secrets to each of us through the walls.
The Premium Experience: Street Art DIY
Pro tip: if you go, spring for the premium experience. Why? Well, do you want to spray paint a t-shirt with actual Banksy stencils? Yes, yes, you do. I walked away with a souvenir so cool that I’m probably going to frame it instead of wearing it.
Favorite Moments from the Exhibit:
Here are the highlights that turned me from a Banksy fan into a full-on Banksy believer:
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Banksy’s Greatest Hits Timeline
This walk-through experience is like a greatest-hits album of street art. You get to follow Banksy’s rebellious journey, from political stunts to sneaking his work into famous museums. (Yes, this man literally hung his art in the Louvre and MoMA without anyone noticing until later. Absolute legend.) -
Hologram Banksy
Who needs an artist in the flesh when you can have a high-tech hologram explain why graffiti is more than just vandalism? Banksy (or should I say his holographic self) dives into the emotions that fuel street art—anger, humor, rebellion, you name it. -
The Mirror Room
Step into a mirrored wonderland surrounded by Banksy’s most memorable works. It’s like being inside the art—total immersion. Also, prime selfie spot, if that’s your thing. -
"Graffiti Forest" aka "Toxic Cottages"
This piece hit me hard. I had never seen it before, but now I can’t stop thinking about it. Banksy layered his iconic stencils over classic oil paintings, then secretly placed them in renowned museums. This wasn’t just art; it was a prank on a global scale.
What’s Next? Soho, Baby
Montreal set the bar pretty high, but now I’ve got my eye on the Banksy exhibit in Soho, New York. If it’s anything like Montreal’s experience, it’s going to be worth the trip.
In short, if you find yourself in Montreal—or anywhere near a Banksy exhibit—go. Not only will you see world-class street art up close, but you’ll also leave feeling like you’ve been let in on one of the world’s greatest artistic mysteries. And honestly, isn’t that what great art is all about?