Art Alive returns to San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park

Imagine famous works of art, interpreted via colorful floral arrangements.

Now that we’ve planted that seed, let us tell you about “Art Alive” 2022 — the San Diego Museum of Art’s annual exhibition, fundraiser + springtime tradition that blooms for only one long weekend this month at the museum in Balboa Park.

The 41st annual event runs from Thurs., April 28-Sun., May 1, and will showcase nearly 100 innovative, floral masterpieces mimicking works of art from the museum’s permanent collection. The fragrant, colorful displays look a little something like this:

And this:

This year, the San Diego Museum of Art has selected local, eco-friendly artist Britton Neubacher to create a 40-ft installation in the museum’s famed John M. and Sally B. Thornton Rotunda using only recycled plants + flowers. This grand focal piece will be dubbed “Organized Chaos.”

Here’s the Art Alive 2022 schedule:

🖼️ Thurs., April 28:

• The elegant, black-tie Premiere Dinner from 5:30-11 p.m. features a multi-course meal in the museum galleries, plus a first look at the floral exhibition everyone will be buzzing about over the weekend.

🌸 Fri., April 29:

• The Art Alive Floral Exhibition opens to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets cost $40 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7-17, and free for kids under 6 each day of the event.
• From 7 p.m.-midnight, the event’s beloved “Bloom Bash” returns (it’s been on hiatus due to the pandemic) — a night of food, cocktails, live music, dancing + after-hours viewing of the floral artworks. You can get tickets to the party here.

🌼 Sat., April 30 + Sun., May 1:

• Art Alive is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• From 12-4 p.m., head to the Art Alive Garden of Activities at the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden for hands-on, floral-themed activities + demos led by museum educators. This is great for kids of all ages and the whole family — they can take part in guided projects or collaborations inspired by nature.