Art Alive returns April 23–26, 2026
A Centennial Soirée in Full Bloom
Celebrate the return of Art Alive with a stunning array of colorful floral interpretations and four days of fun-filled events, including the Premiere Dinner and the iconic Bloom Bash. Regional floral designers showcase arrangements interpreting approximately 80 works of art throughout the Museum, inviting comparisons of shape, form, and color. The galleries bloom as the floral designs are displayed alongside the original works of art from across the globe.
Art Alive is The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature annual fundraiser, providing vital support for the Museum’s exhibitions, education, outreach, and public programs. This year, Art Alive is a highlight of the Museum’s Centennial celebration, transforming the galleries into an unforgettable, immersive spectacle of flowers and art!
The 2026 event draws inspiration from the Museum’s Centennial exhibition featuring its renowned collection of works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Art Alive will be infused with the vibrant, theatrical spirit of late 19th-century Paris, brought to life through Toulouse-Lautrec’s distinctive artistic lens.
Art Alive Tickets
Enjoy a weekend of immersive floral fun inspired by art in the Museum collection and special, limited engagement art installations
Tickets on sale January 20, 2026, for members and January 26, 2026, for nonmembers.
Premiere Dinner
An elegant and sumptuous creative black-tie affair, the Premiere Dinner celebrates art in bloom with a spectacular multi-course dinner inside a Museum gallery and is the first opportunity to see the Art Alive floral exhibition throughout the Museum. Premiere Patrons enjoy full VIP access to the entire Art Alive weekend and provide support beyond the Premiere Dinner event.
Bloom Bash
Marvelous amusement awaits at Bloom Bash, the vibrant, late-night 21+ celebration that kicks off Art Alive weekend. Revel in craft food and cocktails from more than 35 top local food purveyors, limited-time art installations, live performances, music, and more, plus see the full Art Alive floral exhibition. The iconic Bloom Bash celebration is not to be missed!
Rotunda Design
Get to know the Art Alive 2026 rotunda designer, Kelsea Olivia, who is creating the stunning floral showstopper in the Museum’s rotunda. Explore the rotunda design vision that will transform the rotunda and be a centerpiece of Art Alive 2026.
Feature Exhibition
Art Alive 2026 draws inspiration from the Museum’s Centennial exhibition featuring its renowned and rarely exhibited Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec collection. The weekend-long event will be infused with the vibrant, theatrical spirit of late 19th-century Paris, brought to life through Toulouse-Lautrec’s distinctive artistic lens.
Art Alive Petal Pop-Ups
As a preview of Art Alive each year, The San Diego Museum of Art brings a burst of picture-perfect florals to sites around San Diego County with our signature Art Alive marketing campaign, the Art Alive Petal Pop-Ups. For four consecutive weekends leading up to Art Alive, large-scale floral installations are created at surprise locations around town.
Garden of Activities
Great for artists of all ages, the Art Alive Garden of Activities brings hands-on fun to the floral extravaganza of Art Alive weekend. Join Museum educators in the floral-themed art-making space to explore and construct a variety of hands-on art projects. All materials provided. Included with Art Alive admission.
Support Art Alive
Partner with The San Diego Museum of Art by becoming an Art Alive sponsor. Our sponsors enjoy special event recognition and benefits throughout the weekend. Art Alive 2026 sponsorship packages are now available and custom packages can be created. As San Diego’s quintessential fundraiser for the visual arts, Art Alive provides critical financial support for the Museum’s public programs, education, community outreach, and exhibitions throughout the year.
Sponsorship packages are available now!
