BlowUp Jubilee Opens in The Hague With 24 Inflatable Artworks

A large-scale public art exhibition featuring 24 inflatable artworks has opened in The Hague, Netherlands. The centerpiece is a seven-meter-tall stew pot floating in a small lake in front of the Mauritshuis museum, home to Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

The exhibition, titled BlowUp Jubilee, is the brainchild of curator Mary Hessing. She said her goal was to show the area and bring art to everyone. The artworks are installed in parks, on buildings, and even in a train station throughout the Dutch city.

The event is part of a series that began in 2022, initiated after the Dutch government started a massive renovation of the historic Binnenhof complex in 2021. The complex, which dates to the 13th century and houses both the Mauritshuis and the Parliament building, was closed to the public, prompting the city to organize art events in the area.

While earlier editions featured a handful of works, the 2026 jubilee edition marks a significant expansion. All previous installations have returned alongside new additions, bringing the total to two dozen pieces.

The exhibition showcases a diverse range of artists and themes. Eugenie Boon, a 21-year-old artist from the former Dutch...