Located just a few hundred meters from the checkpoint to Jerusalem and a mile from the centre of Bethlehem, the Walled-Off Hotel (a play on Waldorf) project features works of art and artistically designed rooms — it serves as a habitable way to raise funds and awareness, too.
Now, the hotel has released a set of works depicting the West Bank barrier and other regional art pieces by Banksy, rendered in miniature and only available to those who visit (most are not available online).
Many of these are framed as works of “anticipatory art,” designed to foreshadow a better future of trust and interconnection in the region.
“The gift shop is situated towards the back of the hotel and sells items created exclusively for the Walled Off by Banksy. It should not be confused with the ‘Banksy Shop’ next door – which has nothing to do with Banksy at all,” note the proprietors. “All profits from sales go towards sustaining the hotel and social projects.”
With the fresh move by the Trump White House of the U.S. embassy, travelers are assured they will be safe, but also warned to use caution and pay attention to current events before traveling. And, of course: exit through the gift shop.
