From the Ice Age to the space race and everything that happened in between… told through colorful spheres! This is Balloon Story, an immersive experience at Espacio Inmersa (in Poblenou). After months of success in Barcelona, this major exhibition has announced that it will close its doors next Sunday, October 4. Haven’t been yet? Did you like it so much that you want to go again? Hurry and get your tickets—the days are flying by, and sessions are very limited.
More than 800,000 visitors have already enjoyed Balloon Story in New York, Melbourne, and Sydney, and Barcelona has been the experience’s first European stop, featuring some of the largest displays seen so far in the exhibition and a nod to one of our most universally celebrated geniuses.
A spherical adventure bursting with color
Balloon Story divides Espacio Inmersa into different scenes—some on a gigantic scale—that depict moments that are instantly recognizable to visitors. From prehistoric scenes to a space journey, including ancient civilizations, a jungle, the ocean floor, famous monuments (such as the Statue of Liberty or the Eiffel Tower), and much more.
What’s truly unique is how these scenes are constructed—with nearly 600,000 biodegradable balloons! Imagine seeing a taxi, a giant octopus, or a rocket made from hundreds of colorful spheres, all set against a backdrop (ceilings and walls) that’s also bursting with color and a cartoon-like aesthetic.
Unlike other exhibitions, where the artworks can be transported, everything at Balloon Story must be built from scratch at each location where it’s set up. This involves a team of dozens of people dedicated to shaping the balloons into figures—a task that requires great care as well as constant maintenance, since although the balloons are injected with a special liquid that increases their durability, it doesn’t make them unbreakable.
Balloon Story is a place that will blow the minds of the little ones in your family… and the not-so-little ones, too. Its 100% Instagram-worthy rooms are the perfect settings for anyone who loves taking the most aestheticphotos and videos to post on social media.
And, as you’d expect, Balloon Story wouldn’t be complete without that guilty pleasure we all indulge in: two ball pits. This jungle-themed installation (which has doubled in size since arriving in Barcelona) is one of the highlights of this immersive journey, but not the only one: the exhibition features more interactive elements that we won’t reveal here so as not to spoil the surprise. One thing is certain: after visiting the exhibition, you’ll leave with plenty of happy memories in the form of fun photos or videos.
Balloon Story adapts to every city it visits, and Barcelona is no exception: Gaudí’s art is brought to life through both the Sagrada Familia and his iconic dragon. Plus, 10 local artists have created 10 photo booths that welcome us to the experience.
