National Gallery Brings Art to the Streets with First ‘Murals reMastered’ Installation

LONDON — In a bold move to democratise access to world-class art, the National Gallery has unveiled the inaugural mural in its ambitious new project, Murals reMastered, transforming a prominent Camden wall into a vibrant 40-square-metre recreation of Henri Rousseau’s iconic 1891 painting Surprised! (Tiger in a Tropical Storm).

The hand-painted mural, realised in collaboration with Global Street Art, now commands attention on Jamestown Road — a high-traffic thoroughfare near London Zoo passed by an estimated 1.8 million people each month. Rousseau’s dramatic jungle scene, featuring a startled tiger amid whipping foliage and a tropical downpour, leaps from the gallery walls into everyday urban life, its bold colours and naive style rendered at monumental scale by skilled street artists.

Sir Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery, described the initiative as a natural extension of the institution’s mission. “The National Gallery’s collection belongs to the nation, and through Murals reMastered we are finding new and imaginative ways to share it beyond the gallery’s walls,” he said. “By bringing some of the world’s greatest paintings onto UK streets, neighbourhoods and everyday public spaces, we hope to spark curiosity, conversation and connection — reaching audiences who may never have encountered these works before.”

The project, launching in spring 2026, will see further large-scale murals appear across the UK, including an “iconic” work in a Brent Cross park inspired by the area’s green spaces, and installations on high streets such as Carnaby Street. Partners aim to place masterpieces in retail and community locations nationwide, creating lasting cultural landmarks that enhance public space.

Dr Lee Bofkin, co-founder and chief executive of Global Street Art, welcomed the partnership: “Our artists are amongst the best muralists in the world, many of whom have been hugely inspired by artists in the gallery’s collection. It’s an honour to recreate these artworks at such scale.”

Murals reMastered builds on the success of previous street art collaborations, including a Simone Martini mural that has drawn millions of viewers. By taking art out of the museum and into the city, the National Gallery is redefining how audiences experience cultural heritage — proving that great art need not be confined to gallery halls.