Banksy's surprises... Music!

Massive Attack, Nine Inch Nails and Atticus Ross have been announced to feature at a series of concerts in a piano bar in Banksy’s latest project, The Walled Off Hotel. 

Along with film composer Hans Zimmer and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, they will perform pre-recorded "gigs" in the piano bar of the artist’s hotel in Bethlehem.
The gigs are recorded specifically for the piano which plays along unmanned... 

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Insight into Banksy's hotel...

 Facilities

OPEN FROM MARCH 11th

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 vandalised 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.

OPEN FROM MARCH 11th

This space enjoys complete autonomy from the rest of the hotel and is curated by the venerated historian and critic Ismal Duddera. He has assembled a permanent collection of real heft and significance. Many of the most notable Palestinian artists from the past 20 years are here - including Sliman Mansour with his iconic "And the Convoy Keeps Going". An adjoining space is dedicated to temporary shows by upcoming artists. The gallery sells original work, prints and postcards.

OPEN FROM MARCH 11th

This home-made attraction is dedicated solely to the biography of the wall. It contains state-of-the-art audio visual presentations and a very old tree. Other highlights includes an animated history of the region, military pornography and original beach sculpture from Gaza. The cinema plays excerpts from the mighty Oscar nominated 'Five Broken Cameras' - and one of those very same bullet-damaged cameras is on display.

Curated in association with Dr Gavin Grindon from Essex University the museum contains almost fully fact-checked material and will be an ongoing repository for local stories, artefacts and testimonies.

The Piano

And through it all the piano plays - by itself. Our remote controlled mechanical baby grand has been programmed with a bespoke score of contemporary arrangements, plus every night it will play back a concert recorded exclusively for the hotel. 

We start our residency programme with 3D who presents the greatest hits of Massive Attack played with three hands. Concerts start every night from 9pm. 

Upcoming artists include Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Flea and Hans Zimmer.

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More on the project:

Is this a joke?

Nope - it's a genuine art hotel with fully functioning ensuite facilities and limited car parking. Operated by the local community, we offer a warm welcome to everyone from all sides of the conflict and across the world.

Is it safe?

Yes. The hotel is located in a bustling area fully open to tourists from across the world. It has all the restaurants, bars and taxis you'd expect. We're 500 metres from the checkpoint to Jerusalem and a mile from the centre of Bethlehem. The official British Foreign Office advice declares it a safe place to visit - and like any holiday you should check the FCO website or equivalent before travelling.

How long will it be open for?

We're aiming to be here for the whole of the centenary year, maybe longer if people come.

Centenary year?

2017 marks a hundred years since the British took control of Palestine and helped kick start a Century of confusion and conflict. At the time of writing there are no special events being planned to mark the occasion.

Is it anti-Semitic?

Definitely not. The Walled Off Hotel is an entirely independent leisure facility set up and financed by Banksy. It is not aligned to any political movement or pressure group. The aim is to tell the story of the wall from every side and give visitors the opportunity to discover it for themselves. We offer an especially warm welcome to young Israelis. Absolutely no fanaticism is permitted on the premises.

Why open a hotel there? What's wrong with Shoreditch?

This place is the centre 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. *

* not actually legally enforceable