So joyful. So creative. So colourful. Simply astounding. I felt like a little kid, full of awe and wonder. Yes, these are my words. This is unquestionably one of the must-see exhibitions of your life, for there is nothing else like it.
Forget balloons stretched, twisted and folded into a sausage dog. That is so passé. Think instead of the Einstein of ballooning (who, by the way, is captured in balloon form in this extraordinary showcase).
Half a million coloured balloons have been transported across the globe and made their way into the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Then, they have been blown up into decorative art forms in a series of galleries, a process that took 10 days.
I am not just talking any balloons, but ones made of plant-based latex, specially coated so they don’t deflate quickly and given extra shine like Armor All on a car. Importantly, once the exhibition finishes, all will be recycled.
As you enter, you can take selfies alongside exhibits such as a hot air balloon, traffic lights and a drum kit. Then you move to a jungle setting where a lion opens and closes its jaws and where a zebra, a monkey, a giraffe, a rhino and a tiger prowl. A toucan and flamingos, too, make quite an impression.
In the middle of that room is the best, biggest, most interactive ball pit you are ever likely to see. It is quite deep, so you need to keep a close eye on the littlies, but it is well worth taking the plunge, especially if you – like me – remain a child at heart.
From the jungle you are transported under the sea, where you are greeted by a veritable cornucopia of ocean delights. Think fish, a crab, a turtle, a giant octopus, a diver and even an anchor and hidden treasure chest. At the centre of the exhibition is an area set aside for youngsters to have heaps of fun throwing and playing with massive balloons.
The arctic beckons, with fairy penguins, a walrus in all its glory and polar bears, including one that looks particularly ferocious. Of course, there is a snowman, an igloo and Santa with a reindeer.
The astonishment that is Balloon Story continues with the space exhibit. A huge rocket, space buggy and astronauts sit comfortably alongside aliens and phosphorescent plants.
A maze of light green and pink balloons leads you past well-known figures – from Elvis, Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury to Marilyn Monroe and Frida Kahlo.
The piece de resistance comes with the monuments’ space. That is where the Eiffel Tower takes pride of place, alongside the Sphinx, the Statue of Liberty, a New York cab, a stunning Chinese dragon and so much more.
Balloon Story was borne of global balloon designers and artists who came up with the show’s concept. Before Melbourne, it was seen in New York City. At this stage, tickets are available into February. A very similar exhibition under the same name will open at Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showgrounds on 13th January.
Fifty people were involved in creating the scenes and sculptures for both. They have done a mighty job. There is something very special about this experience, chock full of whimsy, so please be sure to catch it before it finishes. Allow 60 to 90 minutes.
Go to https://balloonstory.com
Alex First
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
