A-maze-ing Laughter
Yue Minjun, China
Description
Title: A-maze-ing Laughter
Artist: Yue Minjun (b. 1962, China)
Medium: 14 patinated cast-bronze figures
Dimensions: 259 cm (102 in) tall
Weight: 250 kg (551 lbs)
Location: Morton Park (Davie Street and Denman Street) at English Bay in Vancouver
A-maze-ing Laughter, the most beloved sculpture from the 2009-2011 Vancouver Biennale exhibition, captivates throngs of visitors and inspires endless playful interaction. Thanks to a generous donation from Chip and Shannon Wilson and family, this artwork became a Legacy Artwork and was presented as a gift to the people of Vancouver.
“I’d like to extend my most sincere gratitude to the Vancouver Biennale and the Chip Wilson family, who helped me realize my dream to have A-maze-ing Laughter become a legacy public art work in Vancouver,” declared artist Yue Minjun. “I appreciate your respect and passion for art. My intention when making this series of sculptures was to use art to touch the heart of each visitor and to have them enjoy what art brings to them. I feel honoured and happy to have my work displayed in Vancouver. I seem to have seen your smiling faces in my heart.”
Having been nominated in the Canadian Institute of Planners’ “Great Places in Canada Contest” in 2013, A-maze-ing Laughter was the only work of art in the nation to receive a nomination, and in 2015, this installation helped the West End neighbourhood win the “Great Place in Canada – Great Neighbourhood Award.” In 2025, the artwork came in first place in the category of “Best Public Art,” as voted by Vancouver Is Awesome readers in its annual Readers’ Choice / Stars of Vancouver Awards.
In A-maze-ing Laughter Beijing-based artist Yue Minjun depicts his own iconic laughing image, with gaping grins and closed eyes in a state of hysterical laughter, elements that contribute to the artist’s signature trademark. The longer a viewer looks at the 14 cast-bronze figures, the more the contradiction of the silent, frozen form of sculpture becomes obvious.
An iconic cultural beacon in the city, the artwork will continue to inspire and engage the imagination of future generations of residents and visitors.
Listen to the Audio Tour by Jessica Wallin:
Watch the A-maze-ing Laughter Guided Tour
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