florentijn hofman's PETS provide a warm welcome at amsterdam's schiphol airport

florentijn hofman has created two enormous and interactive animal artworks for the holland boulevard at schipol airport in amsterdam. after arriving back from their travels, passengers can expect to be greeted by a larger-than-life cat and dog lounging around the boulevard.

the piece was created for the new holland boulevard at the airport schipol in amsterdam
all images by robert stienezen, courtesy of studio florentijn hofman

entitled ‘PETS’, florentijn hofman designed the gentle giants specifically to give travelers the welcoming sense of coming home. the two animals were chosen for their universal associations with home, warmth, safety and protection. this feeling of security is helped in no small part by the use of thick, carpeted material: warm, multicolored long-hair wool covers the giant pets like a shaggy coat, inviting passersby to hug, touch and cuddle the friendly beasts. hofman’s giant cat lies on its back, encouraging visitors to rub it’s furry belly, while its canine counterpart lies peacefully on its side, gazing fondly up at the crowds of people heading off on their holidays. 

entitled ‘PETS’, the piece is designed to give travelers the welcoming sense of coming home

generally regarded as places of stress, PETS aims to take some of the pressure out of airports by offering a place to play, relax and reflect on your journey. whether or not you’ve got a furry friend waiting for you, the installation proves that coming home can be as simple as receiving a nice warm hug at the end of a long day. at least these two won’t poop in the kitchen.

after arriving back from their travels, passengers can expect to be greeted by a larger-than-life cat and dog

animals were chosen for their universal associations with home, warmth, safety and protection

warm, multicolored long-hair wool covers the giant pets like a shaggy coat

passersby are invited to hug, touch and cuddle the friendly beasts

at least these two won’t poop in the kitchen
hofman’s giant cat lies on its back, encouraging visitors to rub it’s furry belly

the feeling of security is helped in no small part by the use of thick, carpeted material