Banksy’s Dismaland theme park to be turned into shelters for migrants in Calais

Nick Thompson
Nick Thompson, CNN
3 minute read
Updated 6:19 AM EDT, Wed September 30, 2015
Banksy's Dismaland theme park -- the street artist's dystopian take on Disneyland -- opened in August in southwest England, and tickets sold out within hours.
Banksy's Dismaland theme park -- the street artist's dystopian take on Disneyland -- opened in August in southwest England, and tickets sold out within hours.
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Marketed as a "bemusement park," it featured work from fellow contemporary artists Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer and Jimmy Cauty.
Marketed as a "bemusement park," it featured work from fellow contemporary artists Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer and Jimmy Cauty.
Matthew Horwood/Getty Images
This Cinderella piece -- taken inside of the decrepit castle at the center of the park -- riffs on the death of Princess Diana.
This Cinderella piece -- taken inside of the decrepit castle at the center of the park -- riffs on the death of Princess Diana.
YUI MOK/PA Wire/PA Photos/Landov
Over 50 artists from 17 countries were represented among the works shown. Banksy contributed a selection of new works of his own, including this installation of a woman being attacked by seagulls.
Over 50 artists from 17 countries were represented among the works shown. Banksy contributed a selection of new works of his own, including this installation of a woman being attacked by seagulls.
YUI MOK/PA Wire/PA Photos/Landov
This killer whale jumping out of a toilet piece by Banksy was also on the grounds.
This killer whale jumping out of a toilet piece by Banksy was also on the grounds.
YUI MOK/PA Wire/PA Photos/Landov
Not every piece was quite so whimsical. This more topical installation -- one of the many games at the amusement park -- makes a powerful statement about the ongoing migrant crisis.
Not every piece was quite so whimsical. This more topical installation -- one of the many games at the amusement park -- makes a powerful statement about the ongoing migrant crisis.
YUI MOK/PA Wire/PA Photos/Landov
Many of the artworks shown were politically motivated. This one by Peter Kennard and Cat Phillips makes a clear statement about Britain's current political leadership.
Many of the artworks shown were politically motivated. This one by Peter Kennard and Cat Phillips makes a clear statement about Britain's current political leadership.
YUI MOK/PA Wire/PA Photos/Landov
Big Rig Jig, a sculpture by Mike Ross, on display at Dismaland.
Big Rig Jig, a sculpture by Mike Ross, on display at Dismaland.
YUI MOK/PA Wire/PA Photos/Landov
One of the highlights of the exhibition? The staff, who were convincingly glum throughout.
One of the highlights of the exhibition? The staff, who were convincingly glum throughout.
YUI MOK/PA Wire/PA Photos/Landov
It's not the first time Banksy has played on the amusement park theme. In a poignantly different scene from earlier in the year, a child in Beit Hanoun, Gaza walks past a mural that depicts children using an Israeli watchtower as a swing ride.
It's not the first time Banksy has played on the amusement park theme. In