Jill Krementz Photo Journal: “Balloon Story” comes to life at the Park Avenue Armory
August 1, 2024
My daughter Lily with my grandsons, Jack, 10, and Wyatt, 8, outside the Park Avenue Armory, currently home to “Balloon Story” — a wonderfully whimsical exhibition of over 600,000 balloons.
Balloon Story The Park Avenue Armory at 66th Street Now thru August 24th, 2024
There’s a magical pop-up wonderland at the Park Avenue Armory.
Who knew there was a vocation called a Balloon Artist, but evidently over 100 grownups have indeed opted for that unusual profession. Voila: 600,000 eco-friendly balloons have been transformed into a variety of huge scenarios: Tropical Paradise, The North Pole, The Jungle, Under The Sea, The Space Expedition, and Monuments and Icons — to name only a few.
My daughter Lily and my grandsons, Jack (10) and Wyatt (8) had the best time and Lily and I were both equally enchanted. In addition to the whimsical dioramas, there’s a large sunken pool for those wanting to submerge themselves in a sea of balloons. One of the most popular attractions is an in-machine robot that makes the best cotton candy I’ve ever tasted — amazingly, not too sweet.
Guests are greeted by a large American Eagle at the entrance to the show.A luminous Jeff Koons-inspired silver poodle.Kids love posing and the grownups love taking photographs.A swing for two.A family ride.One of the many animals in the Jungle.More Jungle inhabitants.
What’s a jungle without colorful and exotic birds?
There’s a huge pool filled with small balls and balloons where the kids can jump around and pretend they are underwater.Floating French Fries and an ice cream cone.A vending machine where an in-machine robot makes cotton candy which was delicious, and, amazingly, not too sweet.Under The Sea.A giant octopus with moving tendrils.Polar Bears in The North Pole.Also in The North Pole section: some baby penguins.Jack poses in The Space Expedition while Wyatt is off to space.The section on Monuments and Icons includes The Statue of Liberty, The Eiffel Tower in Paris …And the Pyramids in Egypt — camel included.The exhibit ends as it begun, with an American Eagle soaring high above the Drill Hall.A V.I.P ticket includes asking for a custom-made balloon souvenir. Wyatt got a puppy on a leash and Jack opted for a guitar as he takes guitar lessons. Sadly, Wyatt’s dog popped into smithereens on the walk home so his mother rushed all the way back for another … this one without a leash.After visiting the Balloon Show, I urge you to stroll on over to Serendipity (225 East 60th Street) for their famous Frozen Iced Chocolate.
