Seated bodhisattva Chinese, Eastern Wei dynasty, about A.D. 530 Carved limestone Art in Bloom 2008, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston *Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Gift of Denman Waldo Ross in memory of Okakura Kakuzo *Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

This spring, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston will host its annual festival of flowers during the Art in Bloom celebration, bringing over 50 New England Garden Clubs into the galleries to create dynamic and vibrant floral displays inspired by the museum’s collection.  From Asian sculptures to masterpiece paintings, a variety of works will be florally interpreted during this festive celebration of springtime.  Art in Bloom also offers lively programs including demonstrations, illustrated lectures, guided tours, and master classes, from April 24 to April 26, 2010.

FAMILY DAY “Young at Art”

The MFA invites children and families to share the wonder of Art in Bloom from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, when special activities for all ages will be offered throughout the galleries.  Family Day includes nature-related activities, performances, and special tours.  Family activities are free with general admission.

Monday Evening Special Event: Open House 5 – 9 p.m.

On Monday, April 26, the Museum opens its doors with free general admission for all to enjoy Art in Bloom during special evening hours. Visitors will enjoy a festive night of fine art, spectacular flower arrangements and musical performances.  In addition, be sure to stop by Secrets of Tomb 10A which will be open and free to all visitors.  Bravo restaurant and the Galleria will also be open for dinner.

DAILY PROGRAMS

• Art in Bloom at Home: Flower arranging workshops for visitors interested in learning how to create their own inspired arrangements;
• Elegant Afternoon Tea: For an added touch of elegance, visitors can enjoy tea in the Koch Gallery while listening to live piano music;
• Guided tours: Learn about the floral arrangements and the works of art that inspired them; and
• Art in Bloom Cart and the Garden Gallery: Purchase exclusive Art in Bloom products, as well as fine crafts and artwork by New England artists.

HISTORY

Conceived at the MFA in 1976, Art in Bloom has been successfully adapted by museums across the country.  In its first year, Art in Bloom featured 16 exquisite floral interpretations of works from the Museum’s collection.  Today, more than 50 arrangements are displayed throughout the Museum’s public spaces and galleries and the festival attracts more than 22,500 visitors.  Art in Bloom is organized completely by the Museum’s volunteer group, the MFA Associates, an organization of 75 volunteers formed in 1956.  The MFA Associates contribute more than 40,000 hours each year to the Museum.  Their activities include leading daily gallery tours, organizing and implementing events for museum members, and arranging flowers in the Museum’s public spaces.

Tickets for Art in Bloom can be purchased starting March 1, 2010 at http://www.mfa.org or by calling the Remis Auditorium Box Office at 617.369.3306.Pricing for lectures, demonstrations, and workshops vary.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Art in Bloom hotline: 617.369.3169