Custom Inflatable Horse Wows Minnesota Museum Visitors

Custom Inflatable Replica Generates PR for Minneapolis Museum

Have you heard about Dala Horses? Named for Sweden's Dalarna province, these carved wooden figurines depict stout, brightly painted horses with colorful decorative trim. Originally designed as a children's toy, they've become a symbol of Sweden.

So, it's fitting that the Minneapolis-based American Swedish Institute should request an inflatable Dala Horse to highlight its ongoing exhibit, "extra/ordinary: the American Swedish Institute. At Play."

The Institute turned to St. Paul-based Split Rock Studios to create its art installation. And Split Rock, in turn, asked Landmark Creations to build the inflatable replica.

According to Split Rock Project Manager Niki Murray, "We were hoping for a showstopping piece that would closely resemble a real wooden Dala Horse."

Landmark delivered exactly that. The finished custom inflatable stands 22 feet high and 18.3 feet wide and weighs in at 134 pounds. Colored bright red – the classic Dala Horse hue – it's adorned with a traditional Scandinavian pattern.

The American Swedish Institute loved it. And so did the people at Split Rock Studios.

"The Dala Horse turned out beautifully," reports Murray. "It was a social media magnet and fit in with the rest of the exhibition perfectly."

Why did Split Rock choose Landmark Creations to craft the inflatable mascot? Says Murray, "Landmark is a trusted partner of ours. We wouldn't think of going anywhere else."

Featured in Landmarketing Issue 62

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

“This has created tremendous buzz around town and we have received a great deal of compliments on the Big Tire. Exposure is my goal, and the inflatable does that better than anyone, including me, can do at these events. The Big Tire never takes a break, gets tired or has to take a call. It just keeps shining bright and the kids love it.”

- Ed Chaney, Ed Chaney Tire Center Inc.

“Not only have they been extremely impactful, attracting hundreds of potential consumers to our sampling teams, but the ease in which we can install them has been a great help...”

- B. Gerety, Veryfine Products, Inc.

"Simply put, the bobbleheads were a real hit at TwinsFest. Over 21,000 fans attended the two-day event raising more than $100,000 for the Twins Community Fund charities."

- Heidi Sammon, Minnesota Twins

"Since they were purchased, these Sonic areas have attracted a great deal of attention when using the cup at the store or at special events in the community. [...] You have been excellent to do business with, always letting us know about any special deals and shipping the items quickly so we can start putting them to work. I appreciate your attention to our group of Sonics and for handling your business in a very professional manner, always delivering any information I need when making a decision. Here is a special thanks, with a "cherry on top."

- Mason-Harrison, Jarrard Enterprises

"Our Landmark Creations blast tunnel made for an incredible night and it was exeremley well received by the players, coaches and fans. Thanks to you and your team for a first class effort. Regards."

- Glenn Mastro, Watchung Hills Warriors Touchdown Club

"Just wanted to say how much we LOVE our inflatables. We tested them in our lobby where they were, of course, an instant hit for school group photos. Our leadership was quite pleased with the durability and the realism."

- Mike Hennessy, Carnegie Science Center