INFLATABLE art has taken over Pier 36 in New York City.
The Balloon Museum is making its North American debut following several international runs.
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Previous iterations of the museum appeared in Rome, Paris, Milan, and Madrid.
Featuring installations by 18 international artists, the museum combines balloons and inflatables with various elements to breathe new life into the inanimate objects.
The New York City edition of the Balloon Museum is open to kids and adults of all ages but only through January 14.
I visited Pier 36 for a guided tour through the museum and its offerings and was surprised and delighted by the artistic elements in the installations.
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The experience began with a brisk walk through the outdoor section of the museum, which included several walk-through inflatables and other kid-friendly attractions.
Some of the installations were hands-on and others were walk-throughs - but all offered a unique perspective.
The first room was an immersive walk-through surrounded by swirling graphics that, truthfully, reminded me of ground beef.
But it was a transportive experience, giving the illusion that I was moving when I wasn't.
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One of the next rooms featured inflatables that blinked and sang, which was simultaneously endearing and jarring.
Soon after came one of the most unique, immersive experiences: the ball pit room.
It was, quite literally, the largest ball pit I'd ever seen.
Instantly, my brain became filled with comments my parents made during my childhood: "Don't go in the ball pit! It's filled with germs!"
Of course, I disregarded those distant memories and dove into the ball pit.
And then, when I began to sink because it was much deeper than it looked, I panicked.
Still, for a brief moment, I relished the experience of being a kid again, surrounded by germy plastic balls and looking up at a ceiling of balloons.
The ball pit room also provided a highly immersive show, complete with the dynamic motion of balloons that came down from the ceiling and corresponding video elements.
It was a wow moment - as were some of the later installations.
One in particular was an inflatable composed of mirror pieces.
Over and over, as it deflated and then inflated again, the audio from the exhibit repeated: "Her joy."
It was jarring at first - similar to my experience a few minutes prior with bizarre blow-up people who appeared to be breathing - but then I came to understand it better.
Ultimately, this particular piece struck a chord with me as I found it to be a perspective-shifting reminder that joy can be found in the highest and lowest moments if we choose to seek it.
Of course, there were plenty of Instagrammable photo opportunities and memorable moments throughout.
There were some long lines to contend with here though, so be prepared to wait if you want to snap your photo in the "I Love New York" booth with the heart balloon.
Overall, it was an enjoyable hour walking through the various experiences and exhibits, and would likely prove to be fun with kids.
There were moments of joy to be found in both the simplicity of basic balloons and the complexities of some of the grander installations.
I was mesmerized by the weaving together of balloons and the elements.
How the artists were able to breathe life into these still objects by incorporating air and fog, to name a few, was quite impressive.
But for those looking for a fun family day out, the price tag for the Balloon Museum is hefty.
Prices begin online at $35 for kids and $45 for adults, but go up to $49 and $59, respectively, if purchasing in person.
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There's also a family four-pack - two adult and two kid tickets - which retails for about $175 online or $200 in person.
Your best bet is to book tickets in advance to save a few dollars if you want to experience the magic that the Balloon Museum offers.
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