THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A massive cooking vessel now dominates a small body of water in the heart of the Dutch capital.
The enormous pot, measuring 7 meters (23 feet) in height, floats in front of the renowned Mauritshuis museum, which houses the famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring” painting. This striking installation is one element of a month-long outdoor art showcase called the BlowUp Jubilee, which displays 24 inflatable sculptures throughout the Dutch city’s parks, building facades, and transportation hubs.
Curator Mary Hessing conceived this ambitious project. “What I really wanted to do is show the area and show arts to everybody,” she told The Associated Press.
The Dutch government launched an extensive restoration effort for the Binnenhof complex in 2021, encompassing both the Mauritshuis and the Parliament building. This historic location, with origins tracing back to the 13th century, became off-limits to visitors, prompting city officials to organize artistic programming during the closure period.
The inaugural BlowUp Art showcase in 2022 featured six artists’ creations positioned around the Binnenhof area. Following exhibitions also presented several inflatable pieces, but this 2026 jubilee version brings back all previous installations while introducing additional new works.
“For me it was important to show the real Curacao in this artwork, and that is our parties, our food, and our lifestyle,” artist Eugenie Boon told AP. The 21-year-old creator hails from the former Dutch Caribbean colony, and her piece, Koncha pa dilanti, named after an island board game, depicts imagery from regional daily life.
British artist Steve Messam has gained recognition for his oversized inflatable installations across the United Kingdom, China and The Hague. His creation called Crested, consisting of a cluster of crimson spikes, sits atop a parking structure entrance surrounded by century-old architecture along a tree-covered street.
“The idea was that this piece would hold its own amongst this wonderful architecture that we see around us,” he said.
The BlowUp Jubilee continues through June 21.
