This spring, the De Young Museum in San Francisco once again dazzled visitors with its annual Bouquets to Art exhibition. The 2024 edition continued the tradition of blending fine art with the ephemeral beauty of fresh flowers, creating an experience that delighted both art enthusiasts and floral lovers.

Bouquets to Art is a unique *almost* weeklong event where floral designers are invited to craft arrangements inspired by the museum's permanent collection. This year, over 120 floral displays were showcased, each thoughtfully paired with a piece of art. The result was a fascinating dialogue between living art and the museum’s classical and contemporary works.

Walking through the exhibition, visitors were greeted with a sensory feast. One arrangement this year took inspiration from a serene landscape painting. The designer used delicate wildflowers and grasses to evoke the painting’s tranquil mood, but with a twist—an unexpected splash of bright orange lilies added a jolt of energy, reminding viewers that nature, like art, is full of surprises.

The exhibition also included a series of events that offered deeper insights into the world of floral design. Workshops, led by renowned floral artists, provided attendees with practical tips on creating their own arrangements. These events made the experience more interactive and accessible, appealing to both seasoned florists and those new to the craft.

If you are able to attend on opening night or the first couple of days of the exhibit’s debut, you’ll enjoy the flowers in their most vibrant state. I attended the event on closing day and while the flowers were still in good shape, some flowers were withering and not as lively.

If you missed Bouquets to Art this year, don’t worry—there’s always next spring! But the De Young Museum is a treasure trove of art year-round, housed in a stunning building in Golden Gate Park. After you’ve explored the exhibition, take some time to wander through the museum’s other galleries, or enjoy a peaceful moment in the sculpture garden.