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Inflatable 'Megaliths' Rise in Bologna's Piazza Maggiore as Installation Nears Dec. 21 Opening

Organizers frame the temporary work as a gift to the city that reinterprets the iwagumi tradition.

Overview

  • Assembly began on December 16 in Piazza Maggiore in the presence of creator Nimrod Weis of Australian studio Eness.
  • The installation features 19 inflatable fabric forms resembling rocks that range from 2 to 14 meters tall, with daylight exploration and an evening program of color and interactive nature‑inspired sound.
  • The project is presented by Bologna Festival with sponsor Illumia, in collaboration with the Comune di Bologna and technical support from Bologna Welcome.
  • An inauguration is scheduled for December 21 at 18:00 with a musical moment by soprano Iolanda Massimo and pianist Paolo Andreoli, and visits are free through December 26.
  • Public response has been mixed, with social media complaints about bulk and obstructed views and criticism from Italia Nostra over placement, while organizers urge residents to judge the work once it is complete.