"Banksy's Walled Off Hotel reopens in Bethlehem, restoring access to what it calls 'the worst view in the world', a direct confrontation with the concrete separation wall. The three-star hotel, conceived as a functioning artwork and social platform, had closed its doors on October 7th, 2023, citing 'major developments in the region.' Its reopening comes after more than two years of suspension, marking a cautious return during an uneasy ceasefire period in which political uncertainty persists despite a reduction in large-scale hostilities."
"The hotel announced its closure via Instagram, stating that it would not take reservations 'for the time being,' and would post updates as the 'situation evolves.' The shutdown followed the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response, a period that escalated into a regional war and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with widespread displacement, destruction, and tens of thousands of civilian deaths."
The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem reopened after more than two years, restoring access to the concrete separation wall described as 'the worst view in the world.' The three-star hotel functions as both accommodation and a politically charged artwork and social platform that had closed on October 7, 2023 due to major regional developments. The closure followed the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel and the ensuing Israeli military response that escalated into a broader regional conflict and a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The hotel's location, near checkpoints and the wall, integrates guests with daily realities such as tear gas, watchtowers, unreliable utilities, and surveillance. The reopening occurs amid an uneasy ceasefire with ongoing political uncertainty despite reduced large-scale hostilities.
Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine
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