Giant inflatable artworks have taken over The Hague, with a towering stew pot floating in a small lake in the city center. The 7-meter (23-foot)-tall pan sits in the water before the prestigious Mauritshuis museum, home to the iconic "Girl with a Pearl Earring." This installation is part of the BlowUp Jubilee, a monthlong open-air art exhibition featuring 24 inflatable works placed in parks, on buildings, and even inside a train station in the Dutch city.
The Vision Behind BlowUp Jubilee
The project is the brainchild of curator Mary Hessing. "What I really wanted to do is show the area and show arts to everybody," she told The Associated Press. The exhibition stems from the Dutch government's massive renovation of the Binnenhof complex, which includes the Mauritshuis and the Parliament building. This historic site, dating back to the 13th century, was closed to the public, prompting the city to organize art events during its inaccessibility.
Evolution of the Exhibition
The first BlowUp Art exhibition in 2022 included works from six artists installed near the Binnenhof. Subsequent events showcased a handful of inflatable pieces, but for the 2026 jubilee edition, all previous installations have returned alongside new additions. This comprehensive display offers a rich tapestry of inflatable art.
Artists and Their Works
Artist Eugenie Boon, 21, from the former Dutch Caribbean colony of Curacao, explains her piece Koncha pa dilanti: "For me it was important to show the real Curacao in this artwork, and that is our parties, our food, and our lifestyle." The work references a local board game and depicts scenes from island life.
British artist Steve Messam, known for large-scale inflatable works installed in the United Kingdom, China, and The Hague, contributed Crested—a mass of red spikes affixed atop the entrance to a parking garage nestled between 100-year-old buildings on a tree-lined boulevard. "The idea was that this piece would hold its own amongst this wonderful architecture that we see around us," he said.
Exhibition Details
BlowUp Jubilee runs until June 21, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with art in public spaces. The exhibition transforms the city into a vibrant gallery, making art accessible to all.
