Museum-goers were abuzz when news broke in May about Pop Air – Art is Inflatable landing on our shores. Now, the much-anticipated exhibition by The Balloon Museum has finally opened to the public this June – and of course, we popped by to explore all 17 installations to see if the hype holds up. Spoiler alert: it does.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favourites – the ones you might want to spend a little extra time with. That’s not to say the rest aren’t worth a look; these just happen to be our top picks out of the xxx installations in store.
1. ‘Aria’
Aria is the first installation you’ll encounter upon entering, and a goldmine for Instagram-worthy snaps. Step into a mirrored room where rainbow-hued balloons are projected across every surface, with background music creating a fully multi-sensory experience. As you take it all in, the balloons begin to shift in size and form, eventually revealing a surreal face made entirely of balloons.
Time Out tip: There are mirrors on the floor, so plan your wardrobe accordingly and avoid wearing skirts or dresses.
2. ‘Canopy’
This installation doubles as a bit of a workout, so get ready to break a sweat. It requires active participation as the inflatable structures only come to life when you move. Each branch-like balloon is connected to a bicycle, and as you pedal, the installation gradually unfurls into a glowing, flower-like form. The faster you cycle, the more quickly it blossoms.
Look closely and you’ll notice that the inflatables never actually touch, even at full expansion. That’s intentional as the artist drew inspiration from crown shyness, a natural phenomenon observed in some tree species where the uppermost branches avoid touching, creating channel-like gaps in the canopy.
3. ‘Hypercosmo’
This installation is the granddaddy of all ball pits. If you’re expecting a modest setup for kids, think again. This one’s easily the size of a swimming pool and packed with thousands of transparent plastic balls – perfect for ‘swimming’ around or playing an impromptu game of hide-and-seek with your pals. The glowing orbs also make for a magical photo backdrop.
Stick around and you’ll catch a short performance that runs periodically – it’s a light show where the suspended ball decorations above shift colours and bob along to the music.
Before you enter, staff will hand out shoe covers for hygiene reasons, and you’ll be advised to stash loose or small items to avoid losing them in the pit. Cannonballs aren’t allowed – there are small ladders to help you climb in and out safely. For those with little ones, not to worry, as the pit isn’t too deep, and children over 1.2 metres tall should have no trouble getting around.
4. ‘Soft Hurricane’
While this installation isn’t interactive, it’s still mesmerising to watch. Balloons are delicately balanced atop small stumps that blow air and project light, causing them to float, bob and glide in a choreographed dance. The varying air patterns give the illusion that the balloons are moving in sync with the music playing in the background.
What’s particularly impressive is how each balloon somehow stays anchored to its own stump – and even if one drifts off, it’s immediately pulled back by the air current, returning neatly to its original spot. It’s a subtle but satisfying spectacle – and yes, you’re allowed to touch any balloons that float your way. The magic of physics at play.
5. ‘Cloud Swing’
Cloud Swing is simple, soothing and takes you right back to the carefree days of childhood. This installation is fuss-free – there are a series of swings suspended from glowing orbs that shift in colour as you move. It’s all set against a dreamy, pastel-hued backdrop that evokes the skies at sunset.
6. ‘Swing’
Not to be confused with the previous installation, Swing features black-and-white balls suspended from the ceiling on elastic, rubber band-like strings. Visitors are encouraged to gently push, bounce, and spin the balls – which then knock into others, creating a chain reaction that sends the whole room into a swirling dance.
Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for little ones who might be running into the centre of the installation. While the balls are relatively light, the swinging force might be hard enough to knock young children off their feet if they are unaware.
7. ‘ADA’
This installation invites you to get hands-on and become part of the creative process. Step into the room and you’ll spot a giant helium-filled balloon drifting through the space. Attached to it are spike-like horns made of charcoal, which leave streaks and smudges on the white walls as the balloon floats around. You’re encouraged to tap, push or bounce the balloon in any direction you like – creating new lines and quite literally leaving your mark on the artwork.
Time Out tip: The charcoal sticks will leave marks on anything they touch, including your hands and clothes. It’s a good idea to wear dark colours and bring some wet wipes to clean up afterwards.
8. ‘Crazy Love For Polygons’
Think Lego – but in inflatable form. The room is filled with soft, bouncy pentagon-shaped balloons that you can move and position however you like. Stack them up into towering sculptures, line them across the floor to build a tunnel, or simply toss them around for a bit of chaotic fun. Let your creativity run wild.
9. ‘Glowing Ballet’
A tornado of balloons is exactly what Glowing Ballet delivers. The balloons are subjected to air currents that shift between gentle breezes and stronger gusts, making the balloons either float serenely or spin wildly in a chaotic, mesmerizing vortex. Each balloon features a vibrant UV design that glows under the lights. For the perfect picture, stand in the middle and wait for a soft breeze, so the balloons float around you gracefully without messing up your hair.
Time Out tip: Those skittish about balloons bursting should take caution here, as the balloons do pop occasionally.
10. ‘A Quiet Storm’
A Quiet Storm is set in a dark, enclosed space, lit only by a solitary white spotlight at the far end. Soft bubbles gently drift out, enveloping you in a delicate embrace. But these aren’t your typical soap bubbles – when they burst, they release wisps of smoke that swirl mysteriously, adding an enchanting layer to the atmosphere.
Do note that the installation was undergoing maintenance when we visited on June 16, 2025.
11. ‘10 Agosto’
You’ll end your journey with 10 Agosto, an installation inspired by the Night of San Lorenzo – a magical time in Italy when legend and celestial wonder collide. Twenty-two swings encircle the centre stage, where glowing orbs suspended from the ceiling rise and fall in a rhythmic dance, mimicking shooting stars streaking across the night sky. As you gently sway on the swings, wisps of smoke drift upwards from the floor, adding to the dreamlike atmosphere.
Other highlights include Bau(ncy) Hous, an inflatable maze illuminated by vibrant LED lights; Spiritus Sonata, a room filled with adorable inflatable creatures that pulse with colourful light; and Silenus, a still sculpture of a man that presents subtle breathing movements.
After exploring the final installation, you’ll come across the Flower Bar, where you can pick up balloon sculptures as souvenirs. A small flower costs $10, while the more elaborate animal designs range from $15 to $30.
The Balloon Bar is right next to the Flower Bar, and a space where you can refuel after all the oohing and aahing. The drinks menu includes cappuccino ($6), bottled water ($3.50), Sprite ($5), passion fruit tea ($5), mango juice ($4) and beer ($10). If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a curry puff ($8) or ham and cheese wrap ($10), while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in cake ($9), donuts ($6), macarons ($4) or brownies ($6).
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, which stocks everything from hoodies and soft toys to stationery and even Balloon Museum-themed Rubik’s Cubes.
The exhibition is held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, in Exhibition Hall F on Basement 2 from now until August 31, 2025. It is open daily with extended hours until June 30, 2025, running from 10am to 9.30pm. After that, opening hours will be 10am to 7.30pm from Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 8.30pm on Fridays, and 10am to 9.30pm on Saturdays.
Tickets are priced at $45 for adults, $40 for teens (aged 13 to 17) and $35 for children (aged 4 to 12) on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, tickets cost $60 for adults, $50 for teens and $45 for children. You can purchase tickets here.
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