Workshop with PanamaHENKo: build your own Aeromodeller *FULL*
Between 1969 and 1971, Panamarenko built his most legendary artwork: 'The Aeromodeller'. The airship was equipped with a 23-meter-long balloon made of transparent and flexible PVC strips glued together. In this workshop, together with Henk Rijckaert, you will discover how to build an airship yourself from loose plastic sheets that, just like 'The Aeromodeller', can actually fly.
It took Panamarenko two years to build his monumental airship all by himself. In this workshop, Henk Rijckaert will help you make your own Aeromodeller in just two hours.
- First, you will design the shape of your own Aeromodeller. Afterwards, you will learn how to use a heating element to melt loose sheets of plastic together into the right shape.
- Testing is important: is there any air escaping? How do you reinforce your balloon so it stays sturdy in the air?
- Give your airship a name and registration number, and get ready to take to the skies.
- Time for the first real flight. Where will you fly to?
- Wednesday 16.Sep.26 at 14:00
- Entrance hall, S.M.A.K.
- Suitable for children aged 8 and up
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Participation is free, but registration is required.
- Be quick, places are limited.
- THIS WORKSHOP IS FULLY BOOKED.
'The Aeromodeller' is in urgent need of restoration.
Great news! 'The Aeromodeller' by Panamarenko has been selected as one of the twelve finalists for the Heritage Tombola, making it eligible for a €150,000 restoration budget. Starting Tuesday, September 15, 2026, your vote will decide whether this iconic artwork deserves a second life.
Since 1980, the airship has been part of the S.M.A.K. collection and remains an indispensable masterpiece that many enthusiasts want to see with their own eyes. Over the years, 'The Aeromodeller' flew all around the world, but all that traveling has taken its toll. At the time, Panamarenko deliberately chose to build the artwork out of PVC, but decades later, it is showing signs of discoloration and tearing. Thanks to a restoration, 'The Aeromodeller' can fly far once again and keep generations dreaming.
Do you also want to see 'The Aeromodeller' fly again? Cast your vote below completely free of charge and get a chance to win great prizes through the Heritage Tombola.
