A-maze-ing Laughter, Vancouver - a city street with a crosswalk painted on it
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A-maze-ing Laughter Vancouver

4.6
·819 reviews·Vancouver, Canada

Iconic bronze sculptures of artist Yue Minjun in fits of laughter, bringing joy to English Bay.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour glow on sculptures

CrowdMedium
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A-maze-ing Laughter, Vancouver - a city street with a crosswalk painted on it

A-maze-ing Laughter Vancouver

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour glow on sculptures

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic bronze sculptures of artist Yue Minjun in fits of laughter, bringing joy to English Bay.

4.6
(819 reviews)

"The Laughing Statues at Morton Park are a riot! These giant bronze dudes, all chuckling like mad, spark instant grins."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Giggles

Bring your camera! Mimic the statues for fun, silly photos. Great for all ages.

🅿️ Parking Pains

Parking can be tough. Consider public transit or walking to Morton Park.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hysterical Giants

The Hysterical Giants

Morton Park

14 larger-than-life bronze sculptures of the artist in fits of laughter. Pure joy captured in metal!

Sunset Serenity

Sunset Serenity

English Bay Beach

Witness the sculptures bathed in the warm glow of a Vancouver sunset. A truly magical sight.

Goofy Photo Ops

Goofy Photo Ops

Morton Park

Mimic the statues' infectious laughter for hilarious and unforgettable selfies with friends and family.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Laughter

These iconic bronze sculptures are a free outdoor art installation. They're best enjoyed with friends and family for memorable photo ops. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak times and festivals.

Parking and Accessibility

While the sculptures are free to visit, parking in the English Bay area can be challenging. Consider public transport or walking if possible. The park is generally accessible for most visitors.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow on sculptures
Crowd
Medium
When
During local festivals
Why
Vibrant atmosphere & music
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Reply to @vancouvertips All clips taken March 24/25, 2022. Go get them photo opps 🌸💪🏼 #vancouvertips #vancouver #britishcolumbia #canada
@vancouvertips
24K likes • 337.8K views

📸 Capture the Giggles

Bring your camera! Mimic the statues for fun, silly photos. Great for all ages. Instagram

🅿️ Parking Pains

Parking can be tough. Consider public transit or walking to Morton Park. Reddit

Got lost in reflections and had the time of our lives at Mirror Maze! 🤩✨ It was our first time, and we couldn’t stop laughing and bumping into ‘ourselves’ 😅. Such a fun and unique experience—perfect to enjoy with friends! Located on the 4th floor, Civil Mall, they also have 12D cinemas for an even crazier adventure. 🎥🙌 Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind thrill. @mirrormaze_12dcinema 📍Branches: ...
@msfoodie_nepal
16.8K likes • 530.2K views
😂😄😁 The A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures at English Bay are one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks! Created by Chinese artist Yue Minjun, these bronze giants were gifted to the city by Chip & Shannon Wilson. Their hysterical laughter has turned into a symbol of joy, culture, and unforgettable memories for both locals and tourists. 🌊🗿✨ 📍 Morton Park, 1800 Morton Ave, Vancouver, BC V6G 1V3 . @enjoy...
enjoy_vancouver
542 likes • 37.4K views

☀️ Enjoy the Bay

Combine your visit with a stroll on English Bay Beach, especially beautiful at sunset. Reddit

🎭 Festival Fun

Check for local events; festivals add to the lively atmosphere. Reddit

A-maze-ing Laughter fue diseñado por Yue Minjun e instalado en Morton Park (Davie y Denman) a lo largo de English Bay en West End, Vancouver en 2009. La escultura de bronce patinado, compuesta por 14 estatuas cada una de unos tres metros de altura y un peso de 250 kilogramos, retrata la propia imagen del artista "en un estado de risa histérica". Fue creado como parte de la Bienal Internacional de ...
vivevancouver
39 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Giggles

Bring your camera! Mimic the statues for fun, silly photos. Great for all ages. Instagram

🅿️ Parking Pains

Parking can be tough. Consider public transit or walking to Morton Park. Reddit

☀️ Enjoy the Bay

Combine your visit with a stroll on English Bay Beach, especially beautiful at sunset. Reddit

🎭 Festival Fun

Check for local events; festivals add to the lively atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(819 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures for their unique charm and the joy they bring, especially during sunset. While parking can be a hassle, the free admission and the beautiful English Bay setting make it a highly recommended, fun-filled experience for all ages. Some find the expressions a bit eerie, but the overall vibe is contagious laughter.

"The sun beautifully fell on these sculptures, giving them a beautiful bronze tint. There were a lot of people near them. The children especially liked it. There was a small festival nearby, music was played and you could buy jewelry and clothes made with your own hands. There were also food stalls and many cafes nearby."

Ольга Даниленко

"These laughing statues at Morton Park are a must see. Come with friends and family. Be inspired to take fun and silly pictures. Highly recommended!"

Ryan E

"The Laughing Statues at Morton Park are a riot! These giant bronze dudes, all chuckling like mad, spark instant grins. Perfect for goofy selfies, though some faces feel a tad eerie. Free to visit, but parking’s a hassle. Quirky art that’s contagious—bring your camera and join the giggle party"

Sour Psycho

What People Like

Joyful and infectious laughter
Beautiful sunset views
Free public art

What People Dislike

Parking is difficult
Some find faces eerie

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The sculptures are located in Morton Park, near the intersection of Davie and Denman Streets, along English Bay. You can reach it via public transit using Vancouver's bus system. Parking is available but can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours or events. Reddit

Yes, several bus routes service the English Bay area, making public transportation a convenient option to reach A-maze-ing Laughter. Check TransLink's website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.

To avoid parking challenges, consider using ride-sharing services, taking public transit, or walking if you're staying nearby. The area is very walkable and bike-friendly. Reddit

Absolutely! Vancouver has excellent cycling infrastructure, and there are often bike racks available near English Bay. It's a scenic ride along the seawall.

Morton Park is generally accessible, with paved pathways. It's a great spot for a leisurely walk and enjoying the outdoor art.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to see the A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures in Morton Park is completely free! It's an accessible public art installation for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

As an outdoor public art installation, the sculptures are accessible 24/7. However, the best experience is during daylight hours or sunset for optimal viewing and photography. Instagram

No, there's no need to book tickets. The sculptures are a permanent public art display and are free for all visitors to view at their leisure.

While there are no specific times to avoid, the area can get busy during summer weekends, holidays, and local festivals. If you prefer fewer crowds, aim for weekdays or early mornings. Reddit

No, Morton Park itself is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely explore the park and its famous laughing sculptures.

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities are right amongst the statues themselves. Try mimicking their poses for fun, interactive shots. The beach and seawall offer great backdrops too. Instagram

Absolutely! The cheerful nature of the sculptures makes it a fantastic and unique spot for family portraits. Kids especially love interacting with them. Reddit

Late afternoon, especially during the 'golden hour' before sunset, provides beautiful lighting that enhances the bronze color of the sculptures. Instagram

Drone usage in Vancouver parks is generally restricted. It's best to check with the City of Vancouver's bylaws regarding drone operation in public spaces to avoid any issues.

Experiment with low angles to emphasize the scale of the statues, or get up close to capture the expressions. Shooting with the ocean or sunset in the background adds depth.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the English Bay area is brimming with cafes, restaurants, and food stalls. You can find everything from casual snacks to fine dining options nearby. Reddit

Picnicking is generally allowed in Vancouver parks. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery with food from a local deli or market.

You'll find a diverse range of cuisines, including seafood, Italian, Asian, and classic Canadian fare, catering to various tastes and budgets. Reddit

Definitely! Several charming cafes are located along Denman Street and near English Bay, perfect for a coffee or a light snack while enjoying the views.

With its beautiful beachside location and numerous restaurants, the English Bay area offers many romantic dining experiences, especially with sunset views. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures are a guaranteed hit with children! Their large size and exaggerated expressions are captivating, and kids love to mimic the statues' poses for hilarious photos. It's a fantastic, free activity that encourages silliness and imagination. Reddit

Combine your visit with playtime on English Bay Beach, which is right next door. The shallow waters are often calm, making it suitable for younger children. Pack a picnic to enjoy in Morton Park or on the beach, and let the kids burn off energy while you soak in the coastal views. It's an easy and fun outing for the whole family.

📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts

For photographers, the A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures offer unique compositional opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on the bronze, especially during the golden hour, creates dramatic effects. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and expressiveness of Yue Minjun's work. Instagram

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of this public art piece and its artist. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekdays or early mornings, to get unobstructed shots and a more intimate experience with the sculptures. The surrounding English Bay scenery also provides excellent opportunities for landscape and cityscape photography.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

This is an ideal stop for budget-conscious travelers as the A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures are completely free to visit. It's a high-impact experience without any cost. Reddit

Pair your visit with a walk along the English Bay seawall and enjoy the natural beauty of Vancouver. Pack your own snacks or grab an affordable bite from a local market to keep costs down. It's a perfect way to experience a key Vancouver landmark without spending a dime on admission.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art and Artist

The A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures are a significant public art installation in Vancouver, created by acclaimed Chinese artist Yue Minjun. Gifted to the city by Chip and Shannon Wilson, the collection features 14 bronze statues, each standing approximately three meters tall and weighing around 250 kilograms. These figures depict the artist himself in a state of hysterical laughter, a recurring motif in his work that explores themes of joy, absurdity, and the human condition. The sheer scale and expressive nature of the sculptures invite interaction and contemplation from visitors. Instagram+1

The placement of these laughing giants in Morton Park, overlooking English Bay, adds another layer to their impact. They transform a scenic public space into a dynamic art gallery, encouraging passersby to pause, engage, and perhaps even join in the spirit of mirth. The infectious energy of the sculptures has made them a beloved landmark, drawing locals and tourists alike for their unique aesthetic and the sheer delight they evoke. Reddit

Yue Minjun's signature style, often characterized by his self-portraits in exaggerated states of emotion, is a commentary on contemporary Chinese society and the universal experience of emotion. The A-maze-ing Laughter series, in particular, is celebrated for its ability to evoke a sense of shared humanity and lightheartedness, making it a powerful and accessible piece of public art. The bronze patina beautifully catches the light, especially during sunrise and sunset, adding to the visual appeal. Reddit

Experiencing Morton Park and English Bay

Morton Park, where the A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures are located, is more than just an art display; it's a gateway to the vibrant English Bay area. The park itself offers green spaces perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxed picnic. Adjacent to the park is the famous English Bay Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the ocean breeze. The seawall running along the bay provides a picturesque path for walking, jogging, or cycling, offering stunning views of the water, the city skyline, and the surrounding mountains. Reddit

Visitors often combine their visit to the sculptures with exploring the amenities of English Bay. This includes enjoying the sandy shores, watching boats sail by, or simply taking in the panoramic vistas. The area is also known for its lively atmosphere, especially during warmer months, with street performers and nearby cafes and restaurants adding to the ambiance. The proximity to the beach means you can easily transition from admiring art to enjoying coastal activities. Reddit

During certain times of the year, English Bay hosts various events and festivals, which can further enhance the visitor experience. These occasions often bring a festive mood to the area, with music, food vendors, and a general sense of community celebration. Even without a specific event, the natural beauty of English Bay, especially during sunset, provides a breathtaking backdrop that complements the expressive nature of the A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures. Instagram

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