Art Alive 2026
The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature spring fundraiser, Art Alive, returns for a spectacular four-day celebration as part of the museum’s centennial year. This beloved tradition features nearly 80 floral designers interpreting works from the museum’s collection, transforming galleries into immersive, living works of art. Inspired by the vibrant world of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, this year’s theme brings a bold, Parisian flair to the festivities. Highlights include the elegant Premiere Dinner, the lively Bloom Bash, and interactive experiences in the Garden of Activities. Leading up to the event, Art Alive Petal Pop-Ups will surprise audiences in San Diego with large-scale floral installations. Proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions, education, and community programs. sdmart.org
Art Alive Summary of Events:
March 20-22, March 27-29, April 3-5, April 10-12
In anticipation of Art Alive, the Museum is again bringing large-scale pop-up floral installations to four surprise partner locations around San Diego in the weekends leading up to Art Alive as a preview to the festivities. The Art Alive Petal Pop-Ups are created by Native Poppy and Cali Wholesale Flowers, and each location is a secret until announced across the Museum’s social media channels the Friday of installation. Each floral display will be on view for one weekend only leading up to Art Alive. Visiting the Art Alive Petal Pop-Ups is a free and fun photo opportunity. Share photos online tagging the Museum and using the hashtags #SDMAPetalPopUp and #ArtAlive2026 for a chance to be featured. Follow @sandiegomuseumofart on Instagram for more information.
Art Alive Preview Weekend
April 17-19
The San Diego Museum of Art is partnering with Andaz San Diego to host an Art Alive Preview Weekend. The hotel, located in the Gaslamp Quarter, will provide guests and the public a glimpse of what they can anticipate at the Art Alive Floral Exhibition, as the property will be transformed for one weekend only into a living gallery, featuring original floral arrangements created by Art Alive designers and inspired by artworks and architectural elements in the hotel. Andaz San Diego is also extending a 20% special offer to Art Alive attendees to stay at the hotel April 15 through April 30, 2026, inviting guests to make their Art Alive experience a full exploration of downtown San Diego.
Art Alive 2026 Premiere Dinner
Thursday, April 23: 6:30-11pm
The Art Alive Premiere Dinner is an elegant black-tie affair celebrating art and is inspired by the dazzling world of Toulouse-Lautrec and the legendary elegance of Maxim’s restaurant in Paris. Guests enjoy an exclusive first look at the floral arrangements of Art Alive and features a multicourse menu of French-inspired delicacies, a full bar of premium selections, and decadent desserts; all in a setting designed to enchant and transport attendees to turn-of-the-century Paris.
Friday, April 24: 8am–noon
The San Diego Museum of Art members receive early access to view the stunning array of nearly 100 colorful floral interpretations for Art Alive. Members can appreciate the festive largescale floral installation by 2026 Rotunda Designer Kelsea Olivia, Founder & Creative Director of East Olivia, enjoy special art installations only on view during Art Alive, and vote for their favorite floral interpretations to select the three Members’ Choice winners.
Friday, April 24: noon-4pm
Saturday, April 25: 10am–6pm
Sunday, April 26: 10am–6pm
The marquee moment of the weekend, the Art Alive floral exhibition showcases nearly 100 floral art arrangements created by regional floral designers. These arrangements are on view throughout the Museum alongside the works of art each is interpreting through florals. Also on view during the Art Alive floral exhibition is the two-story rotunda floral design, which greets guests as they enter the Museum.
Friday, April 24: 7pm–midnight
Bloom Bash is a 21+ event that kicks off Art Alive weekend, dazzling with the bohemian
glamour of Toulouse-Lautrec’s Paris and the electric spirit of the Moulin Rouge. Guests can dance all night while indulging in imaginative cocktail experiences and divine bites and treats from more than 35 of San Diego’s top restaurants, with a special neighborhood spotlight on Oceanside’s vibrant culinary scene. The Art Alive floral exhibition will be open after-hours to event attendees, and the iconic Ferris wheel will be on the plaza outside the Museum.
Saturday, April 25: 1–5pm
Sunday, April 26: noon-5pm
The Garden of Activities offers hands-on fun during Art Alive weekend, perfect for families and creatives of all ages. Now with an earlier Sunday start time, the Garden of Activities expands to accommodate more art explorers. Join Museum educators in the floral-themed art-making space in The San Diego Museum of Art sculpture garden and in a gallery to craft and create through a variety of art projects. All materials are provided, and it is free with Art Alive floral exhibition admission.
