National Gallery Unveils Massive Henri Rousseau Tiger Mural In Camden

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, discover the National Gallery’s stunning 40-square-metre hand-painted Henri Rousseau tiger mural on Camden’s Jamestown Road – the spectacular launch of Murals reMastered, bringing world-famous masterpieces to streets and cities across the UK.

A spectacular 40 square-metre hand-painted mural recreating Henri Rousseau’s iconic jungle scene Surprised! (Tiger in a Tropical Storm) (1891) has been unveiled on Jamestown Road in Camden, London. Located just steps from London Zoo and in an area with 1.8 million monthly passers-by, this monumental artwork marks the launch of an ambitious new initiative to bring world-class paintings into everyday public spaces across the UK.

Introducing Murals reMastered

Murals reMastered is a major collaboration between the National Gallery and Global Street Art. The project will transform masterpieces spanning more than 700 years of art history into large-scale outdoor murals placed in streets, neighbourhoods, and unexpected locations throughout the country.

By reimagining these works at extraordinary scale, the initiative aims to create fresh connections between people and art. It moves timeless paintings beyond the walls of Trafalgar Square and into the public realm, fostering new dialogues between historical masters and contemporary street artists.

The First Mural: Rousseau’s Electrified Jungle Scene

Henri Rousseau’s Surprised! (Tiger in a Tropical Storm) is the perfect choice for the debut mural. The self-taught artist, often regarded as a pioneer of naïve art, created around 20 jungle paintings, with this dramatic tropical storm scene being one of the most popular. Rousseau never left France, so his lush, imaginary jungles drew inspiration from Paris’s Botanical Gardens, blending house plants with exotic foliage.

The vibrant Camden mural captures the energy and mystery of the original 1891 painting, turning a busy urban wall into a window into Rousseau’s wild imagination.

Nationwide Rollout and Key Partners

Murals reMastered will expand rapidly. Upcoming installations include:

• An artwork inspired by green space at Claremont Park in Brent Cross Town, developed with Related Argent and Barnet Council.
• A new mural on Carnaby Street in central London, in partnership with Shaftesbury Capital.
• A series of murals across major retail destinations with Landsec, reaching millions of visitors annually.

Further murals are planned for spring 2026 (subject to planning permission) in towns and cities across the UK. The project builds on the National Gallery’s established outreach efforts, such as the Masterpiece Tour and Art On Your Doorstep, which share major works with communities nationwide. It also aligns with Global Street Art’s mission to create “painted cities” through high-quality public art.

Proven Public Appetite for Street Masterpieces

The initiative follows the success of a previous Global Street Art mural featuring Simone Martini’s Angel Gabriel on Fulham Road. Unveiled in December 2024 to mark the National Gallery’s bicentenary exhibition on Sienese painting, it has drawn an estimated seven million visits, highlighting strong demand for experiencing historic art in contemporary urban settings.

About the Organisations

The National Gallery, founded by Parliament in 1824, houses the nation’s collection of Western European paintings from the late 13th to the early 20th century. Free to visit, it features masterpieces by artists including Leonardo, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Turner, and many others. Its mission centres on caring for the collection and providing the widest possible public access.

Global Street Art, Europe’s leading hand-painted mural company, was founded in 2012 with headquarters in London and offices across Europe. The company has created over 3,000 public murals, including two editions of the London Mural Festival. Its team of world-class artists specialises in large-scale works for brands and communities, driven by the belief that public art enriches and inspires.

How to Get Involved

Property owners, commercial landlords, local councils, and community organisations are invited to propose suitable sites for future murals. Ideal locations should be safely accessible, outward-facing, highly visible, and available for at least three months. Selected partners will work with Global Street Art to create murals that enhance their spaces and contribute to a growing national cultural network.

This exciting project promises to transform streets and neighbourhoods with world-class art, sparking curiosity and conversation among new audiences who might not otherwise encounter these masterpieces. Keep an eye on locations near you as Murals reMastered brings the National Gallery’s collection to life across the UK.

Upcoming National Gallery Exhibitions:

• Zurbarán (2 May – 23 August 2026)
• Waldmüller: Landscapes (2 July – 20 September 2026)
• Renoir and Love (3 October 2026 – 31 January 2027)
• Van Eyck: The Portraits (21 November 2026 – 11 April 2027) 

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