
Art Alive 2023 blooms at the Museum
March 30-April 2, 2023.
Art Alive brings a kaleidoscope of colorful floral arrangements interpreting works of art from the Museum collection, four days of fun-filled events, large-scale art and flower installations, and a garden of activities for families and artists of all ages. Art Alive is The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature annual fundraiser, providing essential support for the Museum’s exhibitions, education, outreach, and public programs. Talented floral designers fill the galleries with fragrant arrangements inspired by the Museum collection, offering a brilliantly colored backdrop for a weekend of beloved traditions and art-inspired activities. Join us March 30-April 2, 2023, for an immersive fusion of flowers and art.
We are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of our visitors and our entire community. In the interest of health, safety, and providing a positive experience for all, Art Alive will again be a timed ticketed event. Art Alive 2023 will use timed tickets for admission to reduce lines and to limit capacity for a safe and pleasant visitor experience. Visit our Health & Safety webpage the week of the event for current requirements.
Please note that reserving your timed ticket is required. Limited number of same-day Art Alive tickets available at the Art Alive entry tent.
Tickets now on sale!
Choose your date and time:
Art Alive Tickets
Timed tickets are required for entry.
Free
$40
$5
Free
Museum members
Adults
Youth, ages 7–17
Youth, ages 0–6
Art Alive general admission tickets include access to see more than 70 floral interpretations of works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection, a dazzling floral rotunda display, and all Museum exhibitions. Bloom Bash and Premiere Dinner tickets are sold separately.
Tickets now available!
Questions or need help? Call the Art Alive hotline: 619.696.1999
No refunds and $5 exchange fee. Tickets are tax deductible. If you are unable to attend, please return your tickets in advance of the event so that your donation is fully deductible. In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather or city mandate, all tickets are considered fully deductible charitable donations.

FAQ
What is Art Alive?
Art Alive is The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature annual fundraiser, providing essential support for the Museum’s exhibitions, education, outreach, and public programs. Art Alive general admission tickets include access to see more than 70 floral interpretations of works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection, a dazzling large-scale floral display in the Museum rotunda, and all Museum exhibitions. Bloom Bash and Premiere Dinner tickets are sold separately.
What are the Art Alive hours?
Member preview hours for the Art Alive 2023 Floral Exhibition are:
Friday, March 31 |8:00 a.m.–noon (Final ticketing slot at 11:00 a.m.)
General admission hours for the Art Alive 2023 Floral Exhibition are:
Friday, March 31 |noon–5:00 p.m. (Final ticketing slot at 4:00 p.m.)
Saturday, April 1 | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Final ticketing slot at 5:00 p.m.)
Sunday, April 2 | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Final ticketing slot at 5:00 p.m.)
What health and safety precautions will be in effect?
The Museum is following state and local guidelines and Art Alive will again be a timed ticketed event to help ensure a positive experience for all.
Masks are no longer required, but are strongly recommended inside the Museum for all visitors, including youth ages 3 and older.
As a visitor, you can expect hand sanitizing and regular disinfection of common use spaces.
Learn more and visit our Health & Safety webpage the week of the event for current requirements.
How much are tickets?
The Art Alive exhibition includes access to see more than 70 floral interpretations of works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection, a dazzling large-scale floral display in the Museum rotunda, and all Museum exhibitions. The event is also the Museum’s signature annual fundraiser.
Art Alive exhibition ticket options are detailed below:
Free | Museum members
$40 | Adults
$5 | Ages 7–17
Free | Ages 0–6
Bloom Bash and Premiere Dinner tickets are sold separately.
Member tickets on sale January 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. PT
Nonmember tickets on sale January 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. PT
No refunds and $5 exchange fee. Tickets are tax deductible. If you are unable to attend, please return your tickets in advance of the event so that your donation is fully deductible. In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather or city mandate, all tickets are considered fully deductible charitable donations.
How do I get tickets?
Timed tickets are available through our website starting in January and a limited number of same-day tickets will be available at the Art Alive entry tent.
Member tickets on sale January 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. PT
Nonmember tickets on sale January 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. PT
A limited number of same-day Art Alive tickets are available at the Art Alive entry tent.
Ticket purchases and reservations should be made in advance of the event—there is no guarantee of available tickets for walk-in entry.
How will my ticket be delivered?
After reserving or purchasing a ticket, you will receive a confirmation email including your ticket details. For entry, ticket holders may print the barcode confirmation to present at the Museum or have it ready on a mobile device upon arrival.
What is the price for youth admission into the Art Alive Floral Exhibition?
Youth tickets to the Art Alive Floral Exhibition, which includes access to the Garden of Activities, are $5 for youth ages 7–17 and free for children ages 6 and under. Members at the Supporter level and above get free admission for up to four children. Youth tickets can be purchased at the Art Alive entry tent.
Great for artists all ages, the Art Alive Garden of Activities brings hands-on fun to the floral extravaganza of Art Alive weekend. The Garden of Activities will be open Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2, noon–4:00 p.m. PT.
Why are tickets tied to timed entry? How does that work?
In the interest of health, safety, and providing a positive experience for all, Art Alive will again be a timed ticketed event. Art Alive 2023 will use timed tickets for admission to reduce lines and to limit capacity for a safe and pleasant visitor experience. Simply purchase your tickets for one of the available time slots and plan to arrive anytime within your designated hour. Once inside, enjoy Art Alive at your own pace; your exit is not timed.
What if I miss my designated entry time?
If you miss your ticketed time slot, speak with Visitor Relations at the tent upon arrival to schedule later entry. There is no guarantee of access if other time slots are at capacity. Please remember to schedule sufficient time for parking and walking to the Museum to ensure that you arrive on time.
I am a member. Do I need a ticket?
Members must reserve a timed entry ticket for general admission into Art Alive 2023. Members have priority access to purchase timed entry tickets starting on January 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.
I am a member and I want to bring a friend to the Members' Preview. Can I?
Yes. Members must purchase tickets for guests they would like to bring to the Art Alive early entry Members’ Preview. Tickets are $40 per person for the Art Alive Floral Exhibition.
Is there a member’s price for my guests?
No.
Art Alive is The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature annual fundraiser, providing essential support for the Museum’s exhibitions, education, outreach, and public programs. Thank you for your support of the Museum.
Can I use guest passes to bring people with me to Art Alive?
Guest passes are not valid for general admission into Art Alive or for special ticketed events. Art Alive is a special ticketed event and The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature annual fundraiser, providing essential support for the Museum’s exhibitions, education, outreach, and public programs. Thank you for your support of the Museum.
How many tickets for Bloom Bash can I purchase at the member price?
Individual level members can purchase one Bloom Bash ticket at the member price. All other levels can purchase two tickets at the member price.
Any additional tickets must be purchased at full price. We encourage your guests to become members of the Museum to get access to discounted rates. Click here to become a member today.
I am a member at a museum that has reciprocal membership benefits with SDMA. Can I attend Art Alive for free?
No. Because Art Alive is our signature fundraiser and a special ticketed event, reciprocal benefits do not apply.
Are group rates available this year?
No.
I have a Balboa Park Explorer Pass or Go Card. Can I use that to get into Art Alive?
No. Because Art Alive is our signature fundraiser and a special ticketed event, Balboa Park Explorer Passes, Go Cards, and other discounted general admission tickets are not accepted.
I am a Bank of America cardholder. Will you be honoring Museums on Us the weekend of Art Alive?
No. Museums on Us and other discounted general admission tickets are not accepted during Art Alive weekend. Art Alive is a specially ticketed event and The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature annual fundraiser, providing essential support for the Museum’s exhibitions, education, outreach, and public programs. Thank you for your support of the Museum.
Are Art Alive tickets refundable?
Art Alive tickets are nonrefundable. We will revisit this policy if event cancellations are required by changes in San Diego’s public health guidelines surrounding COVID-19. All contributions to Art Alive provide support for the Museum’s exhibitions and programs throughout the year. If you would like to exchange your ticket to another day or time, there is a $5 exchange fee.
Can I re-enter?
No. Due to timed ticketing limitations, visitors may only attend the Art Alive Floral Exhibition at the allotted time of their ticket entry.
Are there tours?
There are no guided tours during Art Alive.
When is Bloom Bash?
Bloom Bash kicks off Art Alive 2023 on Friday, March 31, 7:00 p.m.–midnight. Learn more about the event and get tickets at https://www.sdmart.org/event/bloom-bash-2023/
Will food be available?
Members and Art Alive Floral Exhibition ticket holders will have access to food for purchase in the plaza. Fuzz Coffee Roasters coffee cart will be onsite and Panama 66, the restaurant and bar located in the Museum’s Sculpture Court, will be offering grab-n-go items, as well as outdoor restaurant dining. Panama 66 will have limited operating hours listed on their website at www.panama66.com.
Will there be a coat check?
Yes, a very limited coat check will be available. Please leave larger items at home. Bags larger than 16x16x8 are not permitted in the Museum. The following items are also not allowed in the Museum: umbrellas, backpacks, baby carriers worn on the back, food or beverage, plants, and other large items.
Is there bathroom access?
Bathrooms will be available onsite, located on the Museum’s first floor and in Gallery 15, adjacent to the Panama 66 restaurant. Limited capacity will be in effect and regular cleaning will be performed throughout the event with high-grade disinfectant.
What nearby hotels do you recommend?
The San Diego Museum of Art partners with premier hotels throughout San Diego County to help you make the most of your experience.
Evans Hotels is a premier provider of resort accommodations and our official hotel partner. Their luxurious hotel properties include The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the AAA Five Diamond luxury resort set atop the cliffs of Torrey Pines State Beach in La Jolla, California; The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, a paradisiacal destination located on the shores of Mission Bay and mere steps from San Diego’s famous Pacific Beach; and The Bahia Resort Hotel, a welcoming waterfront property located on a 14-acre picturesque peninsula in San Diego’s scenic Mission Bay.
The Guild Hotel is a reimagination of the iconic, historic Armed Services Building with a rich YMCA history in the heart of downtown San Diego. Born in 1924 and reborn in 2019, The Guild, a Marriott San Diego Tribute Portfolio Hotel, seamlessly blends historic charm and modern amenities for an inspiring stay in America’s Finest City.
See our Where to Stay webpage for more information and to book special hotel discounts.
Will there be any Art Alive volunteer opportunities? Where can I sign up?
Yes! There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for Art Alive and we would love to have you! Please contact bburke@sdmart.org to get started.