The Skywhale | |
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The Skywhale shortly before taking off on its second flight over Canberra | |
Role | Hot air balloon |
National origin | Australia and the United Kingdom |
Manufacturer | Cameron Balloons |
Designer | Patricia Piccinini |
Type | Cameron Skywhale 110 |
Manufacturer | Cameron Balloons |
Construction number | 11628 |
Manufactured | 2012-2013 |
Registration | VH-IOQ |
First flight | 2013 |
Owners and operators | Global Ballooning (2013-2019) National Gallery of Australia (2019-current) |
The Skywhale is a hot air balloon resembling a strange whale-like creature designed by the sculptor Patricia Piccinini as part of a commission to mark the centenary of the city of Canberra. It was built by Cameron Balloons in Bristol, United Kingdom, and first flew in Australia in 2013. The balloon's design received a mixed response after it was publicly unveiled in May 2013. It has since been displayed around the world, and was acquired by the National Gallery of Australia in 2019.