Dismaland: Banksy's Bemusement Theme Park

 

I first became aware of Banksy when I moved to Los Angeles in 2006. His art would grace the sides of building on Melrose Avenue. I knew the art before I heard of the artist. I can only assume that’s the way Banksy prefers it. When I heard about Dismaland, I wanted to be there. I love the UK, and I love the darker, more chaotic, and obviously, abandoned element of amusement parks. Due to the short life span and “pop up” element, I couldn’t make it happen. That doesn’t stop me from having wanderlust over Banksy’s Dismaland.

Banksy Dismaland abandoned
Photo: Dazed Digital

Photo: Dazed Digital

The history of Banksy’s Theme Park

Dismaland was a temporary art project/installation organized, created and by Banksy. It was constructed in Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, England. Prepped in secret (under the “film” title Grey Fox), the pop-up exhibition was located at an out of commission pool called The Tropicana It was open for business during the weekend of August 21st, and closed on September 27th, 2015. It is described as a “sinister twist on Disneyland", and described it as a "family theme park unsuitable for children." The official brochure states, “Are you looking for an alternative to the soulless sugar-coated banality of the average family day out? Or just somewhere cheaper” Tickets were sold for £3 a piece, and 4,000 patrons were allowed to enter per day, with 150,000 people visiting the park by the end of its run.

Photo: Discover Places

Photo: Discover Places

Banksy Dismaland VIDEO tour:

Even though Dismaland might be dead and gone, you can take a 360º tour in the video below.

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Europe, Urban ExplorationJason Hortondismaland, banksy, amusement parkComment