World-famous street artist Banksy opened a new hotel on the West Bank, a location just meters away from the wall that separates Israel from Palestinian territories in Bethlehem. Many raised eyebrows and scoffed in disbelief about his idea, but now the hotel is open and we can look at what it has to offer.
The anonymous British artist converted a former pottery workshop into the hotel which features a tea shop, art gallery, and a graffiti supplies store. The art gallery is permanently set on the first floor of the building and will exclusively show artwork made in the region. Banksy describes the hotel as an “open-hearted community resource,” unaffiliated with any political party. An English gentlemen's club theme is also infused with thought-provoking artwork to make the hotel truly unique.
Photography: Quique Kierszenbaum for the Guardian