Banksy exhibition opens in Turku with copies of the artist’s works

A new exhibition featuring reproductions of Banksy’s street art has opened in Turku, Finland, drawing crowds despite none of the works being original, reports Yle.

The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind display, housed in a former Wärtsilä industrial hall, presents copies of the elusive artist’s most famous pieces, including Girl with Balloon, which gained attention when it shredded itself after selling at auction. Producer Linnar Viik, who brought the exhibition to Turku, acknowledges that street art exists authentically only in its original location.

“Almost all of Banksy’s works have been destroyed, removed, or lost,” Viik said. Some remain in war zones like Ukraine and Palestine or in private collections, making originals nearly impossible to exhibit.

The travelling show, organised by Tallinn’s PoCo Pop Art Museum, has already toured multiple European cities without Banksy’s involvement or approval. Over three million people worldwide have visited the exhibition, according to Viik, who expects at least 100,000 visitors in Turku.

Visitors undeterred by reproductions

Local resident Joel Talonen described Banksy as “culturally extremely significant” and praised the exhibition for capturing key moments in the artist’s career, despite the works being copies. Tuija Mäkitalo, visiting with her sister, said the reproductions—particularly those referencing Ukraine—made an impact.

“Of course they’re copies. You can’t just rip murals off walls and bring them here,” Mäkitalo noted.

The industrial hall’s raw space, complete with original crane hooks (one now holding a chandelier), adds to the atmosphere. Exhibition manager Susanna Kuoppala revealed that the wooden structures are reused in each new location, with traces of past displays still visible on the reverse sides.

No sales, no thefts—just provocation

While Banksy’s original works have frequently been stolen—such as the Sad Girl mural from Paris’s Bataclan theatre—the copies in Turku hold no market value. Kuoppala dismissed concerns about theft, stating that no incidents have occurred in other cities hosting the exhibition.

Viik emphasised Banksy’s role as a social commentator, comparing his work to reading a newspaper “without a journalist—directly to us.” The producer hopes the exhibition will spark reflection long after visitors leave.

“His provocative way of engaging with the world around us is truly unique,” Viik said.