Childhood in Ruins: Graffiti Master Builds a Dark Disney-Style Park

Written/Compiled and Reported by Liao Qiyu, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Department

The globally famous anonymous graffiti artist Banksy, in collaboration with multiple artists, created a theme-park-style art amusement park in the UK named “Dismaland” (with "dismal" meaning gloomy or bleak), parodying the Disney cartoon works that always bring wonderful dreams to children and adults alike. Dismaland aims to tell the world that things aren't always so perfect, and has been rated by foreign media as a “family amusement park not suitable for children.”

Dismaland is set up in a seaside park that had been abandoned for 15 years, located about a 2.5-hour drive from London, UK. This place was once the top holiday destination for low-income families and also Banksy’s favorite amusement park during his childhood. Banksy and the artists used discarded materials to transform the park into a dark version of Disneyland. The site features installation artworks that use Disney cartoon elements to create various satirical pieces — such as a dilapidated castle, a twisted mermaid statue... etc. Among them, the overturned Cinderella pumpkin carriage surrounded by reporters taking photos is a jab at the car accident that killed Princess Diana of the UK.