A dramatic jungle scene featuring a prowling tiger has burst onto the streets of Camden, as the National Gallery launches an ambitious new public art initiative that brings masterpieces out of
the museum and into everyday life.
The first installation in the Gallery’s new 'Murals reMastered' programme is a striking 40-square-metre recreation of *Surprised! (Tiger in a Tropical Storm)* (1891) by Henri Rousseau. Painted on Jamestown Road—just moments from London Zoo—the mural transforms a busy urban wall into a vivid, immersive jungle scene seen by an estimated 1.8 million passers-by each month.
The Camden mural marks the beginning of a nationwide collaboration between the National Gallery and Global Street Art. Together, they plan to reimagine iconic works from the Gallery’s 700-year collection as large-scale murals across cities and towns throughout the UK.
By relocating classical paintings from the walls of Trafalgar Square into public spaces, the initiative aims to make art more accessible while sparking new conversations between historic works and contemporary audiences. Each mural is created by modern street artists, creating a dialogue across centuries—where old masters inspire new creative voices.
A cultural link between art and wildlife
The Camden location is more than symbolic. Its proximity to London Zoo adds an extra layer of meaning to Rousseau’s jungle-themed painting. While there is no formal partnership in the traditional sense, the placement subtly connects artistic imagination with real-world wildlife conservation. Visitors heading to the zoo encounter the mural en route, creating a shared cultural and environmental experience that blends art, nature, and education in a uniquely urban setting.
Expanding across the UK
Future murals are already in development, with planned locations including Brent Cross Town, Carnaby Street, and major retail destinations across the country. These projects are being delivered in partnership with developers, councils, and cultural organisations, helping embed world-class art into everyday environments—from shopping districts to green public spaces.
The initiative builds on the National Gallery’s broader mission to take art beyond its walls, following successful programmes like its nationwide touring exhibitions. It also reflects Global Street Art’s ongoing commitment to transforming cities through creativity—they have already produced over 3,000 murals across the UK.
The success of previous projects suggests strong public enthusiasm. A 2024 mural of Simone Martini’s *Angel Gabriel* attracted millions of visitors, proving that historic art can thrive in contemporary, open-air settings.
An invitation to communities
As Murals reMastered expands, property owners, councils, and community groups are being invited to take part. Suitable walls—highly visible, accessible, and available for at least three months—could become the next canvas for a masterpiece.
With plans to roll out across all four nations, the project is shaping up to be one of the UK’s most ambitious public art networks—bringing centuries-old paintings into the rhythm of modern life, one wall at a time.
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, said: ‘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. 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.’
Dr Lee Bofkin, co-founder and CEO of Global Street Art, added: ‘We’re proud to be producing 'Murals reMastered', a natural collaboration between the National Gallery and Global Street Art, which brings the worlds of classical and contemporary painting together at monumental scale. Our artists are among 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.’ Photo by nationalgallery.org.uk, © Global Street Art