Banksy Street Art in Park City, Utah

Not many people know that Park City, Utah is home to three works created by the world famous, and famously anonymous, street artist Banksy. I first learned about Banksy when I read how he staged the live destruction of his own work “Girl with Balloon” the moment it sold for 1 million pounds at auction. The prank was confirmed by the artist himself who had hidden a shredder within the frame. The prank ultimately added to the work’s value significantly. Years later, I was reminded of Banksy while visiting Bristol, England. Although his identity has never been confirmed, he is believed to be from Bristol where his satirical street art began showing up in the 1990’s. We saw his work at the M Shed Museum in Bristol and learned a little bit more about the elusive artist.

Fast forward to this summer while I was walking down Main Street in Park City, Utah. I randomly walked past a building and see none other than Banksy’s work on the exterior wall of a coffee and ice cream shop. What was Banksy doing in Park City, Utah? Back in 2010, Banksy’s film was screened at Park City’s iconic Sundance Film Festival. The following day, up to seven works by Banksy were discovered in town. Most were removed, but three of Bansky’s works remain in historic downtown Park City to this day.

The work known as “Camera Man and Flower” can be found at 402 Main Street. It is located on an exterior wall of Java Cow coffee and ice cream shop. Another work known as “Angel Boy” is located on an exterior wall of a parking garage along a dead end alleyway at 537 Main Street. Finally, the work known as “Dirty Rat”, which is an image of a rat wearing 3D glasses, is located at the Egyptian Theater at 328 Main Street.

This summer, Banksy has put wildlife in the spotlight with nine surprise animal images over nine days around London, including at the London Zoo. No one exactly knows what the images mean, but many agree they have sparked a lot of interest, discussion, and even joy. Where will Banksy pop up next?

Things to Know:

*Banksy is one of the world’s most famous and most anonymous street artists. His identity has never been confirmed, but he is believed to be from Bristol, England where his work began showing up in the 1990’s.

*Unknown to many visitors, Park City is home to several works by Banksy. In 2010, the Sundance Film Festival screened “Exit Through the Gift Shop” a film directed by Banksy. The following day, up to seven works by Banksy were discovered in town. While most were removed, three of Banksy’s works remain in historic downtown Park City today.

*The work known as “Camera Man and Flower” can be found at 402 Main Street in Park City. It is located on an exterior wall of Java Cow coffee and ice cream shop.

*The work known as “Angel Boy” can be found on a dead end alleyway at 537 Main Street in Park City. It is located on an exterior wall of a parking garage.

*The work known as “Dirty Rat” can be found at 328 Main Street in Park City. The rat wearing 3D glasses is located at the Egyptian Theater.