Why You Should Visit the De Young This Week...And Bring a Jacket

Photo: de Young Museum

The Summer of Love exhibit is long gone, but flower power is once again blooming at the de Young. This week only, the museum is hosting 34th annual floral takeover, Bouquets to Art, featuring designs from florists around the world. In addition to bringing epic temporary designs to the de Young, the exhibition is also a major fundraiser for the museum's programs.

But let's get back to the flowers.

Photo: de Young Museum

Bouquets to Art starts Tuesday, March 13, and continues through Sunday, March 18. Each "bouquet" is inspired by a work in the museum's collection, and the arrangements are stationed next to their muse-pieces throughout the galleries. Because these are real flowers—no silk imitations here, thank you very much—the florists refresh their works with new flowers during the week. Temperatures in the galleries are a little cooler to keep the flowers happy, so you may want to rethink your coat check decision upon arrival. 

If you've attended Bouquets to Art in the past, you'll remember the galleries can become congested with folks angling for the perfect photo with their favorite bouquet. If queueing to stare at flowers is not your jam, consider hitting the exhibit during photo-free hours, 9:30 am until noon on Friday, March 16.

Admission to the exhibit is $28 for adults, and free for members. If you've been debating a membership, individual memberships start at $119, and include admission to both the de Young and the Legion of Honor.