Art in Bloom

media release: Art in Bloom, the Milwaukee Art Museum’s popular annual celebration of art, flowers, and spring, returns April 20–23, 2023. This highly anticipated event welcomes visitors to experience floral installations throughout the galleries. Created by nearly 30 of the region’s top floral designers, the installations interpret renowned artworks in the Museum’s collection.

Hours: Thursday*, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri–Sun**, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Kohl’s Art Studio open Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

*Book your timed tickets after noon to see the fully completed floral displays. Prior to noon, witness the skill and finesse of local artisans while they construct their floral arrays in the galleries.

**The event opens early, at 9 a.m., to Art Advocate level Members and above. Timed tickets are required.

“We’re thrilled to welcome some of the best floral designers in the Milwaukee area to the Museum to design exceptional floral installations inspired by major artworks on view in the galleries,” said Courtney Kihslinger, Director of Stewardship and Events, Milwaukee Art Museum.

Each floral designer will exhibit a unique arrangement in response to an artwork of their selection. This year, interpreted artworks include Sam Gilliam’s draped canvas painting Carousel Merge 2, Alexander Calder’s Red, Black, Blue, Gaetano Cusati’s Still Life with Fish, Tara Donovan’s Bluffs, and Pablo Picasso’s The Cock of Liberation (Le Coq de la Liberation). The designers will compete for Judges’ Awards, which will be announced live in Lubar Auditorium on Thursday, April 20, at 6 p.m. People’s Choice Awards winners will be announced Friday through Sunday on the Museum’s website.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to Art in Bloom at the Milwaukee Art Museum, when the galleries come alive with vibrant floral creations inspired by beloved works from our collection,” said Marcelle Polednik, Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director, Milwaukee Art Museum. “We enjoy celebrating the beginning of spring every year with this delightful event.”

This year’s Art in Bloom includes an indoor garden with live music in Windhover Hall; art making in the Kohl’s Art Studio; and a springtime-themed pop-up shop featuring accessories, home décor, and more. Refreshments will be available in the Museum Café featuring Discourse: Coffee Workshop, in the pop-up shop, and the afternoon wine bar.

New this year! On Friday, April 21, 7–10 p.m., the Art in Bloom celebration continues into the night with the Floral Fashion Party. This after-hours party showcases elegant and over-the-top designs created out of blooms by local artisans. Tickets are sold separately, with three unique experiences to choose from.

Tickets for Art in Bloom and the Floral Fashion Party are timed entry. Museum Members receive priority access to tickets through March 8, as well as special perks throughout the event. Those who are not yet Members are encouraged to join now to secure their tickets first and receive a reduced admission price. Timed tickets will be available to everyone on March 9.

Thanks to the Contributing Sponsors of Art in Bloom, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and The PNC Financial Services Group. Thanks to the Media Sponsor, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

For more Art in Bloom event information, visit mam.org/bloom.

2023 Art In Bloom Florists: Alfa Flower Shop, Alt’s, Avenue Bloom, Bank of Flowers, Bayside Floral Design / Bayside Garden Center, Belle Fiori, Ltd., Bonnie White Flower Design, Flora Elements, Flowers for Dreams, Ikebana International Milwaukee Chapter #22, Jaimer’s Floral, Kathy’s 2nd Chance Plants, KT Rush Floral Design, La Terre, Locker’s Florist, M&F FLORAL + DÉCOR, Roundys, Sendik’s Food Market / Sendik’s Home, Shady Lane Greenhouse, Sweetpea Enterprises LLC, The Botanical Collective, The Flower Garden, Two Mikes Art Factory, Unordinary Omen Floristry, Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse, Whitefish Bay Garden Club, Zinndahlia Designs