Beloved spring tradition returns April 23–26, 2026, with expanded access and activities

April 7, 2026

Minneapolis—The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is pleased to announce that its annual Art in Bloom event, presented by the Friends of the Institute, will include expanded activities. Between April 23 and 26, 2026, the signature Art in Bloom event takes place, featuring more than 160 floral interpretations of artworks throughout Mia. For four days, the galleries come alive with imaginative floral creations, inspired by works from Mia’s collection. Visitors are met with art reinterpreted as vibrant arrangements.

Art in Bloom is free and open to the public and is the Friends of the Institute’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting Mia’s mission of making art accessible to everyone. Expanded programming includes additional events for audiences of all ages, including workshops, family programming, and extended museum hours.

A Growing Tradition Rooted in Community

Organized by the Friends of the Institute, one of the nation’s oldest and most active museum volunteer organizations, Art in Bloom is celebrating its 42nd year. Proceeds help support Friends operations and school transportation (bus) grants that bring area students to the museum. These visits give students the opportunity to experience art from around the world, made possible through community support.

“Art in Bloom is a celebration of spring. It is an absolute festival of flowers that welcomes in the warmth and the light,” said Liz Short, President of the Friends of the Institute. “It’s also a celebration of community. Our floral artists are your neighbors and friends, interpreting Mia’s masterpieces in blooms. After a challenging winter, come be embraced by the flowers and discover the wonder and joy of this special weekend.”

“At Art in Bloom, the masterpieces don’t just hang on the walls of the Minneapolis Institute of Art—they blossom and bloom throughout the building through the language of floral interpretation,” said Amanda Luke, Art in Bloom Co-Chair. “Art in Bloom reminds us of the power of beauty to inspire hope and of the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate creative thinking and possibility. What makes this event so extraordinary is how it brings people together to experience art in new and unexpected ways. Each arrangement offers a fresh perspective on the collection, transforming the museum into a vibrant celebration of art, community, and the arrival of spring.”

2026 Signature Artwork

This year’s floral centerpiece draws inspiration from one of a pair of vases, Presentation Vase Decorated with Birds and Flowers (Japan, early 20th century), a monumental cloisonné enamel work once owned by railroad magnate James J. Hill. Renowned for its extraordinary scale and craftsmanship, the vase reflects Japan’s mastery of cloisonné enamel at the turn of the 20th century, when the medium achieved global acclaim for its technical and artistic sophistication.

Visitors will find interpretations of this signature artwork by commercial floral artists throughout Art in Bloom.

What’s New in 2026

A Month of Art in Bloom (April 2026)

For the first time, Art in Bloom extends beyond its traditional four-day format with April-long programming designed to increase access and deepen engagement. Highlights include weekly arrangements in partnership with Bachman’s and an opportunity to win a year of flowers.

Mall of America Activities

Mia brings Art in Bloom into the community through interactive events at the Mall of America Rotunda:

• Petals & Crayons Coloring Contest (April 14): A family-friendly creative experience with prizes including tickets to Crayola Experience
• Sculpting with Flowers (April 19): Live floral demonstrations by pedestal floral artists, offering a behind-the-scenes look at floral design

Expanded Experiences at Mia

Visitors can engage more deeply through:

• Five hands-on floral workshops from Sarah Arnold of Bloomcroft, including bouquet design, ikebana, and sustainable arrangements.
• Daily voting for favorite floral installations.
• New family programming, including Once Upon a Bloom on April 26, featuring performances by teaching artists from Children’s Theatre Company.
• Meet at Mia on April 23 will include O’Keeffe-inspired floral watercolors.
• Extended museum hours throughout the four-day event.
• Art in Bloom merchandise in The Store at Mia, including a tote and T-shirt designed by local artist, Lindsay Nohl.
• Pins, magnets, posters, and postcards inspired by this year’s signature image, also in the Mia Store. There’s something for every Art in Bloom fan.

Party in Bloom: A Spring Preview Celebration

This year’s festivities include Party in Bloom on Wednesday, April 22 (7–11 p.m.), an after-hours preview experience that blends art, fashion, and culinary design.

New elements guests will enjoy include:

• Culinary bites from Bûcheron
• Fashion activations curated by MartinPatrick3
• A live performance by Dessa and music by DJ David Brewer II
• Immersive floral installations and interactive experiences throughout six galleries
• The Artful Access Lounge, presented by Artful Living, features hosted beverages, a champagne wall, a dessert tower, and other exclusive amenities

Tickets are still available.

Supporting Access through Art

While Art in Bloom is free and open to the public, donations are encouraged and essential to sustaining the program and Mia’s broader mission.  Support from Art in Bloom helps ensure continued access to world-class art and educational programming for communities across the region.

Visitors can contribute through:

• On-site donation stations
• QR codes throughout the museum
• Online giving options

Visitor Information

• Dates: April 23–26, 2026 (with programming throughout April)
• Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis
• Admission: Free and open to the public

Extended Hours

• Thursday, April 23: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Friday, April 24: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 25: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 26: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tickets are required for select events, including Party in Bloom and the floral workshops. Art in Bloom merchandise, including a limited-edition tote, poster, and T-shirt, will be available in the Mia Store. Learn more about Art in Bloom.

About the Friends of the Institute

The Friends of the Institute is one of the oldest and most active museum volunteer organizations in the nation. Since 1922, proceeds generated by the Friends have been used for artwork acquisition and conservation, youth and adult education, and museum upkeep, renovation, and expansion. Its many signature programs, like the springtime favorite Art in Bloom, continue to enrich the museum experience for thousands of visitors each year.

Learn more about the Friends of the Institute.

About the Minneapolis Institute of Art

Home to more than 100,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) inspires wonder, spurs creativity, and nourishes the imagination. With extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest art collections in the country—from all corners of the globe, from ancient to contemporary—Mia links the past to the present, enables global conversations, and offers an exceptional setting for inspiration. Learn more about Mia in our latest Impact Report.

General admission to Mia is always free, but some special exhibitions charge a nominal fee.

For more information, call 1-612-870-3000 or visit artsmia.org. Everyone is welcome. Always.