An Exquisite Fusion: Fine Arts and Flowers Biennial at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Each year, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) transforms into a breathtaking display of fine art and vibrant blooms during the Fine Arts and Flowers Biennial. This unique event, which began in 1987, invites floral artists to create stunning arrangements inspired by the museum’s permanent art collection. The result? A treasure hunt of bursting colors.
In 2024, the Biennial featured over 70 floral masterpieces, each one an interpretation of its paired artwork. One of the best aspects of Fine Arts and Flowers is its accessibility. General admission to the VMFA is free, so it’s an excellent activity for families, couples, or even solo adventurers like me looking for fun things to do in my city. In just two to three hours, you can see all the floral designs while also enjoying the museum’s incredible collection. I’ve been to VMFA many times, but I found that touring during Fine Arts and Flowers, I discovered artwork in the museum that I had never seen before or gained a new appreciation for.
For those who want to have a fuller experience , Fine Arts and Flowers also offers paid programming in addition to the free exhibition:
Luncheon and Speaker Series: Enjoy a meal while learning from experts about the intersection of art and floral design
Floral Design Workshops: Hands-on sessions where you can create your own floral art
Exhibition Tours: Guided tours provide fascinating insights into both the art and the floral interpretations
Fashion Show: A runway experience that ties together art, flowers, and couture
Fine Arts and Flowers is special because it’s unique and dynamic but still approachable for all ages. I saw babies as small as two years old interacting with the art—it made me think of my early experiences visiting museums with my parents and how those moments undoubtedly shaped my love and appreciation for art.
As a lover of flowers, I was just overjoyed to see them used in this way, but I also suspect that if you’re an art lover or just want a unique way to spend a day in Richmond, this event is something to look forward to biennially.
