Art in Bloom is almost here! Since our first year in 2021, it’s become one of Newfields’ most beloved traditions. And it’s no wonder why. Art in Bloom is the perfect combination of art, nature, and community in celebration of creativity and spring.  

Art in Bloom is not just a Newfields thing—it was first imagined at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston in 1976 and has since blossomed in museums across the country. And we just keep growing, too. Our first year we had just 28 arrangements. This year we have 55 arrangements and are expecting nearly 10,000 visitors over four days.  

Little Flower Blooms

Here are a few things you’ll love to know before you join us: 

Nearly all our floral designers, over 95%, are women-owned businesses, and every one of our pedestal designs is created by a local artist or business, all supported with stipends. These artists are the heart and soul of Art in Bloom.  

Art in Bloom is a true labor of love, made possible by countless passionate Newfields team members. Did you know our conservation team checks each and every flower for pests before it heads into the IMA Galleries? Or that I work closely with our registration team and curators to select the perfect works to serve as inspiration? We balance mediums, size, colors, and even placement in the galleries to pull guests to the furthest corners of the museum, where they may have never been before.  

The Clowes Ceiling will feature a brand-new projection experience this year, titled Inflorescence, which was created by Cincinnati-based creatives called Lightborne. It’s a must-see moment that brings a whole new layer of wonder to the gallery. And! They’re the same team who brought the Harvest Nights projection to life on Lilly House. 

After all is said and done, the flowers are donated to Random Acts of Flowers, a local non-profit who redistributes them to patients in healthcare facilities around Indianapolis to brighten their day. 

Gregory Rose

Tips and tricks: 

If you’re joining us for Art in Bloom this year, grab a map as soon as you walk in—it’s the best way to find all 55 installations and activities. We’ve spent weeks refining and testing it, and it’s truly your guide to the full experience. 

If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, Thursday night is the perfect time to take it all in at a leisurely pace. But if you enjoy the buzz of a lively crowd, Sunday is my personal favorite.  Terry Langdon, a longtime member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, performs in the Pulliam Family Great Hall on Sunday and it’s one of the most magical moments of the festival. And for me, a beautiful reward for all the hard work that goes into creating this show. 

However you choose to experience Art in Bloom this year, give yourself at least two hours to soak it all in. And wear comfortable shoes (trust me on this one). 

As we celebrate this fifth anniversary, I hope you’ll join us to experience it for yourself and see what makes Art in Bloom so special.  Tickets are going quickly, so don’t wait to reserve your spot!  

Image Credits: 

Brut and Bloom. 

Installation views of Art in Bloom 2024, Indianapolis Museum of Art Galleries, March 21–24, 2024. Artworks © their respective creators.