Venice: restoration of Banksy's "The Migrant Child" completed and

Venice: restoration of Banksy's "The Migrant Child" completed

The conservation restoration of The Migrant Child, the mural recovered from the deteriorated façade of Palazzo San Pantalon, has been completed. The restored work was unveiled at an event held at the Arsenale in Venice, attended by the president of Banca Ifis and several notable figures.

On 8 and 9 May 2026 the artwork was transported by boat through the city's canals, allowing residents and visitors to view it after restoration.

• Presentation site: Arsenale, Venice
• Work: The Migrant Child (mural)
• Origin: removed from the façade of Palazzo San Pantalon for conservation
• Visibility dates on the canals: 8–9 May 2026
• Reinstallation: planned permanently at the original site once the building works are complete, expected by 2027
• Estimated total investment: over €15 million (property acquisition, conservation and related events)

The restoration is part of a broader initiative combining contemporary heritage protection with child rights advocacy. A national educational programme for lower secondary schools (2026–2027) was also announced, aiming to bring art and human rights topics into classrooms.

Practical notes for visitors and cultural professionals:

• The public unveiling took place at the Arsenale; check local cultural institutions for related exhibitions or events.
• Final reinstallation will occur after restoration works on the palace conclude; timelines may be updated through 2027.
• For details on educational programmes and guided visits, contact the project organisers or local cultural authorities.