600,000+ balloons take over Park Avenue Armory
Photos by Andrew Shelley
Over 600,000 vibrantly colored balloons have taken over the Upper East Side’s Park Avenue Armory as part of a new pop-up art installation. The family-friendly “Balloon Story” exhibit has “balloonified” the armory, featuring intricate sculptures of animals, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, and other imaginative designs set against balloon-filled landscapes. On view through Saturday, August 24, the exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays.
“Balloon Story” features more than 600,000 hand-tied balloons twisted into fun, creative sculptures by 200 different artists. Over the course of 75 minutes, guests venture through a whimsical world of balloon art, with highlights including a 25-foot-tall balloon rendition of the Eiffel Tower, the exhibition’s tallest piece, an assortment of sea creatures, and jungle animals.
Additional exhibits include a space-themed installation, a snowy Antarctica area, an Americana-themed section, a balloon maze, and more.
Instead of helium, the balloons are filled with air and have been sprayed with a biodegradable liquid that will help keep them in shape until later this month. The liquid forms a coating inside the balloon that helps it retain its shape, according to the New York Times. However, a team of balloon artists is ready to make repairs if a balloon pops or loses air.
To ensure the balloons remain in optimal condition, the Armory has been cooled to 69 degrees, a temperature ideal for the latex material, according to Erica Domesek, the exhibit’s creative producer, who spoke with the Times.
“We’re thrilled to bring Balloon Story to the iconic Park Avenue Armory. Working alongside this talented team of 100 balloon artists and creatives from all over the world is a dream come true,” Domesk said.
“This exhibition is a celebration of art and imagination, and we can’t wait to share it with the public. Each installation is designed to evoke joy and wonder, providing a magical experience for visitors of all ages.”
On the exhibit’s last day, guests will be invited to pop as many of the balloons as they want, as well as protective eye gear and “an item that’s safe but will pop balloons,” as reported by The Times.
You can learn more about the exhibit and purchase tickets here. Admission starts at $38.90 for adults and just under $30 for children.
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