A-maze-ing Laughter

A-maze-ing Laughter is a sculpture installation at Morton Park near English Bay. Fourteen bronze figures, each standing 259 cm tall, form an arrangement with identical facial features showing closed eyes and wide grins.

Chinese artist Yue Minjun created this installation for the 2009 Vancouver Biennale. Following the exhibition, entrepreneurs Shannon and Chip Wilson purchased the work, transforming it into a permanent public artwork for the city.

The bronze figures display a repeated self-portrait motif featuring closed eyes and wide grins. This approach reflects artistic methods that emerged in contemporary Chinese visual culture during the post-1989 period.

The sculptures sit at the intersection of Davie and Denman Streets in Vancouver's West End. The installation remains freely accessible year-round and welcomes photography and direct interaction with the figures.

Vancouver declared July 13 as the official Day of Laughter to mark Yue Minjun's first visit to see his sculpture group. This civic gesture demonstrates how the local community embraced the artwork into its cultural calendar.

Location: Vancouver

Inception: 2009

Creator: Yue Minjun

Height: 259 cm

Made from material: bronze

Part of: public art in Vancouver

GPS coordinates: 49.28760,-123.14200

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46