Christo ‘Minneapolis Package’ 1966

A photograph of the artwork ‘Minneapolis Package’ made by Christo and Jeanne-Claude (Jeanne-Claude was the wife of Christo), made in 1966. It’s an iconic testament to their groundbreaking “wrap art.” This black and white photograph captures the essence of their ambitious project at the Minneapolis School of Art, where the artists, with the help of 147 students, constructed a colossal 42,390 cubic feet air package.

The core of this extraordinary creation consisted of four United States Army high altitude research balloons and 2,800 colored balloons. Each of the high-altitude balloons, standing 18 feet high and 25 feet in diameter, was independently sealed. Enveloped in 8,000 square feet of clear polyethylene, the package was meticulously sealed with Mylar tape and secured with 3,000 feet of Manila rope. Two air blowers further inflated the structure, which despite its intended flight, managed to rise only 20 feet off the ground due to its 500-pound weight.

Signed by both Christo and Jeanne-Claude (upper right), as well as the photographer Caroll T Hartwell (upper left), this photograph not only documents a pivotal moment in contemporary art, but also serves as a memento of the artists’ daring vision and the collaborative spirit that brought this monumental installation to life.

Own a piece of this historical artistic endeavor with “Minneapolis Package (1966),” a signed photographic relic that epitomizes the innovative spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s collaborative genius.