'Chubby Hearts' installation launches in Hong Kong

A giant floating heart has become Hong Kong’s latest photographic sensation, attracting couples to pose with the oversized balloons unveiled on Valentine’s Day.

The Chubby Hearts Hong Kong Launch Event at Statue Square Gardens, Central, on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
The Chubby Hearts Hong Kong launch event at Statue Square Gardens, Central, on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The Chubby Hearts Hong Kong project launched on Wednesday with the installation’s largest balloon, measuring 12 metres in diameter, going up at Statue Square in Central. Smaller balloons will pop up in various locations across the city over the next 10 days.

The Chubby Hearts Hong Kong Launch Event at Statue Square Gardens, Central, on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
The Chubby Hearts Hong Kong launch event at Statue Square Gardens, Central, on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The project, by UK designer Anya Hindmarch, is presented by the government-funded Hong Kong Design Centre. It is part of the authorities’ drive to bring large-scale “mega events” to the city in a bid to boost an economy struggling to recover after Covid-19.

The Chubby Hearts Hong Kong Launch Event at Statue Square Gardens, Central, on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
The Chubby Hearts Hong Kong launch event at Statue Square Gardens, Central, on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A Chubby Hearts balloon pops up in Kennedy Town on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A Chubby Hearts balloon pops up in Kennedy Town on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
People walk in the street in Mong Kok on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
People walk in the street in Mong Kok on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A Chubby Hearts balloon pops up at the Flower Market in Mong Kok on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A Chubby Hearts balloon pops up at the Flower Market in Mong Kok on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A man holds a bouquet at the Flower Market in Mong Kok on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A man holds a bouquet at the Flower Market in Mong Kok on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A Chubby Hearts balloon pops up in Kennedy Town on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A Chubby Hearts balloon pops up in Kennedy Town on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A Chubby Hearts balloon pops up in Kennedy Town on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
A Chubby Hearts balloon pops up in Kennedy Town on February 14, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Credit: KYLE_LAM.Y.K

Words by Hillary Leung.

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