The Skywhale

The Skywhale
The Skywhale shortly before taking off on its second flight over Canberra
Role	Hot air balloon Type of aircraft
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.