THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — There is a giant stew pot in a small lake in the center of The Hague.
Floating in the water in front of the prestigious Mauritshuis museum, home to the “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” the 7-meter (23-foot)-tall pan is part of monthlong, open-air art exhibition. The BlowUp Jubilee features 24 inflatable artworks installed in parks, on buildings and even in a train station in the Dutch city
The project is the brainchild of curator Mary Hessing. “What I really wanted to do is show the area and show arts to everybody," she told The Associated Press.
In 2021, the Dutch government began a massive renovation project on the Binnenhof complex, which includes the Mauritshuis as well as the Parliament building. The historic site, which dates to the 13th century, was closed to the public and the city wanted to organize art events while it was inaccessible.
The first BlowUp Art exhibition in 2022 included works from six artists, installed near the Binnenhof. Subsequent events also showcased a handful of inflatable works, but for the 2026 jubilee edition, all of the previous installations have returned plus new ones have been added.
“For me it was important to show the real Curacao in this artwork, and that is our parties, our food, and our lifestyle,” artist Eugenie Boon told AP. The 21-year-old is from the former Dutch Caribbean colony and her work, Koncha pa dilanti, referring to a board game played on the island, features scenes from local life.
British artist Steve Messam is known for his large-scale inflatable works that have been installed in locations in the United Kingdom, China and The Hague. Crested, a mass of red spikes, has been affixed on top of the entrance to a parking garage nestled between 100-year-old buildings on a tree-lined boulevard.
“The idea was that this piece would hold its own amongst this wonderful architecture that we see around us,” he said.
BlowUp Jubilee runs until June 21.
Peope walk by an art installation titled Koncha pa dilanti by Eugenie Boon as part of the BlowUp Jubilee Art walk in the Hague, Netherlands, Thursday, May 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
A tram passes by an art installation titled Crested by Steve Messam as part of the BlowUp Jubilee Art walk in the Hague, Netherlands, Thursday, May 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
A woman takes a selfie in front of an art installation titled Like a pan in the water by Studio Job as part of the BlowUp Jubilee Art walk in the Hague, Netherlands, Thursday, May 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A renowned Mount Everest guide who this week scaled the peak a record 32nd time urged authorities on Friday to limit climbers on the summit.
The number of climbers making the ascent on the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) peak from the Nepalese side is higher this season because China has closed the route from Tibet. Everest can be scaled from either the southern side in Nepal or the northern side in China.
On Wednesday, 274 climbers reached the summit, the highest number on a single day from the Nepal side. A total of 494 climbers have been issued permits by Nepal’s mountaineering authorities and an equal number Sherpa guides are accompanying them.
“It was very crowded this year compared to last year because there was more clients,” Kami Rita Sherpa told reporters at Kathmandu airport after flying back from the mountain. “There is a need for authorities to control this number.”
Climbers only get a few windows of good weather to make their attempt on the summit. A large number of people waiting in a fixed rope line they are all clipped into increases the risks of a traffic jam and exposes the climbers to increased hours of harsh weather.
Kami Rita's closest competitor, Pasang Dawa Sherpa, scaled the peak for the 31st time on Friday, which was his second successful ascent this week
Kami Rita, 56, first climbed Everest in 1994, and has been making the trip nearly every year since. He is one of many Sherpa guides whose expertise and skills are vital to the safety and success of foreign climbers aspiring to stand on top of the mountain each year.
His father was among the first Sherpa guides. In addition to Everest, Kami Rita has climbed other peaks that are among the world’s highest, including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu and Lhotse.
Renowned Sherpa mountain guide Kami Rita returning from Mount Everest after his record 32nd successful ascent, arrives at an airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, May 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Renowned Sherpa mountain guide Kami Rita, second right, returns from Mount Everest after his record 32nd successful ascent at an airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, May 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Son of renowned Sherpa mountain guide Kami Rita arrives to welcome his father returning from Mount Everest after his record 32nd successful ascent at an airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, May 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Renowned Sherpa mountain guide Kami Rita returning from Mount Everest after his record 32nd successful ascent, is welcomed as he arrives at an airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, May 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Renowned Sherpa mountain guide Kami Rita, center right, returning from Mount Everest after his record 32nd successful ascent is presented with shawls and flowers as he arrives at an airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, May 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
