When we received the invitation to provide balloon decor for The Hangar Flight Museum's 50th Anniversary celebration on November 17th, we knew this wasn't just another event—it was an opportunity to be part of Calgary history. For five decades, this remarkable institution has been preserving, celebrating, and bringing to life western Canada's aviation heritage, inspiring generations to dream of flight.

A Living Monument to Canadian Aviation History

The Hangar Flight Museum isn't just a collection of aircraft—it's a testament to Canadian innovation, courage, and the transformational power of flight. Originally built in 1941 as a drill hall for the #37 Service Flight Training School, the building itself is a piece of history from the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War. Walking through those doors, you can almost hear the echoes of over 130,000 airmen and women who trained across Canada during one of the most pivotal periods in our nation's history.

What makes The Hangar truly special is its commitment to making aviation history accessible and engaging. The museum is passionate about bringing aviation history to life, trusting that every visit will leave guests inspired with dreams of flight. From their collection of over 24 historic aircraft—including the majestic Avro Lancaster, affectionately known as the "Queen of the Sky"—to interactive programs that let visitors experience flight firsthand, The Hangar has created an immersive destination that educates while it entertains.

From Air Museum to Modern Institution

The journey to this 50th anniversary has been one of continuous evolution and dedication. Founded in 1975 by aviation enthusiasts and former World War II pilots, the museum built upon the legacy of an earlier private collection called the Air Museum of Canada. In 1985, the museum found its permanent home in the former Bullock Helicopter Hangar at the south end of Calgary International Airport, and in 2016, underwent a major transformation, including a new name—The Hangar Flight Museum—to reflect its renewed mission and community relevance.

The museum hasn't stood still. Recent years have brought significant improvements: a new humidity system to better preserve the aircraft collection, truss repairs to strengthen the historic 80-year-old building, and in fall 2024, a newly renovated front entrance with wider access points and automatic doors, making the museum more welcoming to all visitors.

Perhaps most exciting is the 2022 addition of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame to The Hangar, creating a powerhouse partnership that strengthens both organizations and expands their ability to honor Canadian aviation achievements.

Designing for a Milestone Celebration

When approaching the design concept for The Hangar's 50th Anniversary, we wanted to create something that honored both the museum's rich history and its forward-looking vision. Our goal was to capture the excitement of flight, the elegance of aviation, and the celebratory spirit of this golden milestone.

We designed a custom balloon backdrop installation that became the visual centerpiece of the anniversary celebration. The design incorporated:

• A color palette inspired by aviation history - incorporating classic blues representing the sky, metallic silvers echoing aircraft, and warm golden tones celebrating the 50-year milestone

• Dynamic height variations - creating movement and visual interest that mimicked the soaring feeling of flight

• Strategic placement - positioning the backdrop to complement, not compete with, the stunning aircraft collection surrounding it

• Photo-friendly design - ensuring attendees had the perfect setting to capture memories of this historic celebration

The result was a stunning visual experience that engaged guests from the moment they entered the event space. Throughout the evening, we watched as attendees—from museum supporters and volunteers to community leaders and families—gathered in front of the backdrop, capturing photos and creating lasting memories of this momentous occasion.

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The Gold Round Grid Backdrop is very versatile and can be used for all kinds of Events when designed with balloons or Florals as well as having an LED sign placed on it to make your event stand out. This item is available for rent in Edmonton and Area.