The Balloon Museum: Emotion Air London

There’s no hiding the fact I love the weird and wonderful, especially when it comes to museums. Check out my trip to the Phallological Museum in Reykjavik for a prime example. So when I got invited to the pop-up Balloon Museum in London I thought I had to go.

Located in Billingsgate, this museum contains work from various different artists all using the medium of balloons. Each room represents a different emotion. I came here with Martin Creates  who was scoping it out as a potential photoshoot location for a client. Giving me the benefit of being his guinea pig and getting a few shots myself (and picking up a few tips for my own shoots). 

I arrived to find it fairly quiet, but it was clear I was at the right place. Balloons were literally  bursting out of the building’s archways. There wasn’t a queue, but It was a Monday just a few hours before closing. A monday visit is the perfect time to enjoy it with a bit of space. 

I was surprised by the scale of the exhibits, thinking they would be small. Instead I walked into “Electric Moons” by Christopher Bauder, a collection of balloons suspended from the ceiling, moving in a hypnotic fashion whilst changing colour to represent the first emotion, Carefree Joy. 

However the balloons aren’t there just for the happy emotions, with the next few being fear, frustration and anxiety. Art can be a powerful form of communication, but I can’t say I always understand it. However the Balloon Museum completely made sense to me (yeh I feel weird saying that too). But with a lot of the exhibits I could immediately tell what emotion they were trying to say. I think anxiety was done the best, represented by balloon rabbits too big for the tunnels that housed them. 

As you make your way through the exhibits and emotions, you will find a lot to interact with. Many of the balloons use motion to convey their message. I think the exhibit most people were excited for was “Hyperfeeling”. Aiming to be a representation of all emotions, this was accomplished by a giant pool filled with plastic balls, which you were encouraged to climb into. Don’t worry though, its not your normal filthy playcentre one. Everyone is made to wear shoe covers to keep it as clean as possible.

At regular periods the Balloon Museum host a show in this room, with a giant ball descending from the ceiling playing a rapid display of videos showcasing different emotions. It’s amazing to watch. Many sat on the pools edge, others immersed themselves in the plastic balls for a really self-involved experience. That’s what I did, and for myself it really is what the museum is all about. Confronting and even embracing your emotions, the good and the bad, rather than stifling or suppressing them. 

Once the show is completed you are encouraged to move on for the next group. With some more emotions and exhibits to see. All unique, with balloons taking on various forms to show the artist’s vision. 

The final exhibit is Balloon Street, a collection of interactive photo opportunities. Including a phone box filled with balloons, and a living room made entirely of balloons. I thought this was a great way to end the Balloon Museum experience, especially for instagram lovers. Just next to it is a display full of cakes and desserts, something I was really craving by this point. I treated myself to a donut, two macaroons and a cookie tiramisu that was amazing. There’s no main food here, just desserts, but that’s fine with me. Going out for dinner, and then a stroll and dessert here is a great idea for a night out in London. Maybe finishing it off with a cocktail or two after at the Sky Garden.

Of course every attraction has a gift shop, and the Balloon Museum is no exception. I didn’t buy anything here, it was clothes that I would never wear or trinkets I would use. They had balloon animal kits (a balloon with instructions) for sale for £12 each. Naturally, I didn’t buy this. But happy with my photos I didn’t need anymore souvenirs.

The Balloon Museum is a pop up that travels the world, and has extended its run in London until the 14th of April. It’s a fun and engaging evening, so if your in London explore it whilst you can.

The Balloon Museum is in London until the 14th of April.

You can book online here or at the reception desk 

On the door tickets are £31, but you can save 20% but signing up to their mailing list and booking online. 

The Balloon Museum is located in 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, Central London. Just a short walk from London Bridge.

It is easily walkable from either the Tower Hill or Monument Tube Stations.

The Balloon museum is open the following hours:

Monday to Thursday : 10 am – 7 pm (last admission 6 pm)
Friday: 10 am – 8 pm (last admission 7 pm)
Saturday: 9 am – 8 pm (last admission 7 pm)
Sunday: 9 am – 7 pm (last admission 6 pm)