Banksy Opens Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem with View of Separation Wall
In March 11, 2017, Banksy inaugurated The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the British Mandate for Palestine. The establishment blends a colonial-era aesthetic with modern twists, showcasing artwork that reflects the experiences of refugees and the realities of military strife. Accommodations vary from a presidential suite to a dormitory featuring surplus Israeli army beds, priced at approximately $30 per night. Located merely five meters from the separation wall, the hotel receives only 25 minutes of sunlight each day, earning the moniker "The worst view in the world." Banksy both financed and designed the hotel, which he entrusted to manager Wisam Salsaa, with profits directed towards local initiatives.
Key facts
- The Walled Off Hotel opened in 2017, marking the centenary of the British Mandate for Palestine.
- The hotel is located five meters from the separation wall in Bethlehem, receiving only 25 minutes of direct sunlight daily.
- Room prices range from a presidential suite to a $30-per-night dormitory furnished with Israeli army surplus.
- Three artist-designed rooms by Banksy, Sami Musa, and Dominique Petrin are available.
- The on-site museum is dedicated to the history of the wall, created in collaboration with Essex University.
- Banksy financed the hotel and donated it to Palestinian manager Wisam Salsaa, with profits going to local projects.
- The hotel is in Area C, legally accessible to Israelis but routes require passing through Palestinian-controlled areas, making it illegal for Israeli citizens.
- Banksy has created graffiti in Palestine for over a decade, including in Ramallah and Bethlehem.
Entities
Artists
- Banksy
- Sami Musa
- Dominique Petrin
- Ismal Duddera
- Massive Attack
- Trent Reznor
- Atticus Ross
- Flea
- Hans Zimmer
- Valentina Tanni
Institutions
- The Walled Off Hotel
- Essex University
- Artribune
- Channel 4 News
- ABC News
Locations
- Bethlehem
- Palestine
- Israel
- Ramallah
- West Bank
- Area C
- Weston-super-Mare
- Calais