LARGER-than-life hot-air balloon sculptures – the giant Skywhale and Skywhalepapa – will grace the skies over Mornington in what promises to be a sunrise spectacle. Created by leading Australia artist Patricia Piccinini, the hot-air balloons will take flight at Dallas Brooks Park as the first light of day breaks over Mornington on 26 April from 5.30am to 7.30am. Measuring 34 meters long and 23 meters high, the Skywhales are twice the size of a standard hot-air balloon.
The free community event is being hosted by Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and presented by the National Gallery of Australia and supported by the Friends of Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG). “Pack a picnic, grab a coffee or breakfast from a food van and feel the anticipation build as the balloons inflate and take flight before your eyes,” the event’s organisers said. “A soundscape sets the mood, followed by a special introduction from the visionary artist Patricia Piccinini herself.” After ascending, the festivities will continue back at MPRG with free kids’ activities.
Skywhales Across Australia is a National Gallery touring event, supported by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia and the National Collecting Institutions Touring Outreach Program. Skywhales is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know My Name project.
Register to attend at mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au/skywhalesmornington
First published in the Mornington News – 8 April 2025
