The San Diego Museum of Art's 42nd annual Art Alive event returns this March 31 through April 2, showcasing floral designers interpretations of famous works of art from the museum's permanent collection into exquisite flower displays. The highly anticipated exhibition kicks off with the Bloom Bash, which many describe as the "Met Gala of San Diego".
A highly anticipated San Diego spring tradition, Art Alive is the Museum’s signature fundraiser that provides support for education, outreach programs and special exhibitions. The celebration will feature nearly 100 floral interpretations of works of art throughout the Museum created by local floral designers, filling the galleries with a brilliant crescendo of color and scent.
Art Alive's kickoff extravaganza Bloom Bash returns on Friday, March 31. The signature celebration is expanding further into Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama to accommodate a growing guest list and offering additional outdoor activities. The opening celebration will feature food and beverage delights from more than 30 local San Diego restaurants, live music, a Ferris wheel and after-hours access to the Art Alive floral exhibition. Dubbed by some as "The Met Gala of San Diego," Bloom Bash is one of the city's premier annual events.
"We are thrilled to celebrate art and culture with the San Diego community and beyond," says Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO at The San Diego Museum of Art. "It is quite special to be able to juxtapose classic works of art with the innovation and beauty that modern floral artists bring to life. It is our hope through this collaboration of art forms, all our guests can gain a new sense of appreciation and wonder for nature and art combined."
The 2023 Art Alive floral exhibition will be on display Friday, March 31, from noon to 5pm, and from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. General admission is complimentary for members, $40 for nonmembers, $5 for youth ages 7-17, and free for youth 6 and under. Timed tickets are required for admission. Entry is anytime within the designated hour. Once inside, guests can enjoy Art Alive at their own pace, as exit is not timed. Bloom Bash and Premiere Dinner tickets are sold separately.
In addition to viewing the annual Art Alive floral exhibition, Art Alive 2023 offers four full days of experiences, activities, and celebrations, including:
Member's Preview - Friday, March 31: 8am-12pm - Museum members have early access to view the nearly 100 floral arrangements interpreting works of art throughout the Museum; experience the Art Alive 2023 rotunda design by Natalie Gill, enjoy the special art installations only on view during Art Alive, and vote for their favorite floral interpretations in the Art Alive floral exhibition to select the three Members’ Choice Winners.
Bloom Bash - Friday, March 31: 7pm to midnight ($250 for members and $300 for nonmembers) - The Bloom Bash opening celebration is the official Art Alive kick-off party. A 21 and over event, the celebration will feature a Ferris wheel and other festivities in the plaza outside the Museum, after-hours viewing of the Art Alive floral exhibition, and special art installations by artist and painter Laurie Shapiro and self-taught paper sculpture artist Amanda Witucki. Bloom Bash will also feature sweet and savory delicacies from more than 30 top eateries, signature cocktails, craft beer, and upscale wine, plus, live music, unique performances, and all-night dancing.
The San Diego Museum of Art is reaching all-new audiences with the joy of art and florals in support of Art Alive 2023 by partnering with The Flower Fields in Carlsbad to showcase a new mural by artist Thao Huyhn French. Back by popular social media demand, the Museum is also again bringing large-scale pop-up floral installations by Native Poppy to four surprise partner locations around town in the weekends leading up to Art Alive.
Providing a rich and diverse cultural experience, The San Diego Museum of Art houses some of the world’s finest art. Located in the heart of Balboa Park, the Museum’s internationally renowned collection of more than 20,000 works, dating from 3000 BC to present day, includes Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings including the Edwin Binney 3rd Collection of Indian manuscript illustrations, East Asian art, American art, and Modern and Contemporary paintings and sculptures. The Museum regularly features major exhibitions of art from around the world, as well as an extensive year-round schedule supporting cultural and educational programs for children and adults. It also hosts engaging experiences that invite visitors to explore art through music, dance, film, food, and so much more. At The San Diego Museum of Art, exhibition text is always in English and Spanish.
The San Diego Museum of Art is located at 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park. For more information on The San Diego Museum of Art or to purchase tickets or a membership, visit SDMArt.org, and be sure to enter our giveaway opportunity below for a chance to receive 2 complimentary passes to Art Alive.
