The Springfield Museums welcomes spring with the 13th Annual Festival of Flowers, on view from Thursday, April 9 to Sunday, April 12. More than 50 floral arrangements will fill the galleries of the Springfield Science Museum, Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, and the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. Free with museum admission.
“After such a long, snowy winter, we are looking forward to filling the galleries with fresh flowers,” says Larissa Murray, Director of Education. “Join us as we celebrate spring and the incredible community of florists and garden club members who make this beautiful event possible!”
Visitors can enhance their floral experience by attending any of the myriad events that coincide with the festival, including lectures and tours, classes, and hands-on activities.
RELATED PROGRAMMING
Details and registration at SpringfieldMuseums.org/flowers.
Museums á la Carte: A Genius for Gardens: Edith Wharton’s The Mount
Thursday, April 9, 12:15 pm
Presented by Anne Schuyler, Director of Visitor Services & Interpretation; and Jackie Christensen, Assistant Director of Programs, The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home
Edith Wharton (1862–1937), Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Age of Innocence, believed gardens should function as elegant architectural “outdoor rooms.” In this program, Schuyler and Christensen explore Wharton’s garden vision and the restoration of the historic grounds. Presented in-person and online. Members free; nonmembers $4.
Festival of Flowers After Hours
Thursday, April 9, 5–8 pm
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and spring cocktails while touring the interpretive floral arrangements in all three museums. Experience floral fashion, design your own mini bouquet, and get creative with floral-inspired art activities. Music, complimentary food, and cash bar. Catered by NOSH. Reservations suggested. Members $20; nonmembers $30.
Festival of Flowers After Hours is sponsored by Westfield Bank. Event uplighting provided by Brian Nicks Productions.
Festival of Flowers: The Flower Lab
April 10–12, 10:30 am–4 pm
Hands-on learning with real plants! Pull-apart dissections, a please touch table, and floral scent identification. Free with museum admission.
Floral materials are generously provided by Springfield Florists Supply.
Festival of Flowers: Docent Tours
April 10–12, 11:15 am–3 pm
Join experienced docents as they discuss the interpretive floral arrangements and the museum objects that served as inspiration. Meet in the lobby of each museum. Free with museum admission.
11:15 am D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
12:15 pm Springfield Science Museum
1:15 pm Wood Museum of Springfield History
2:15 pm D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
Festival of Flowers Family Day
Saturday, April 11, 10 am–5 pm
Tour the galleries to view extraordinary floral designs inspired by objects in the Museums, then explore the world of flowers through hands-on activities. Free with museum admission.
Museum School Class: Beautiful Blooming Brooch
Friday, April 10, 10:30 am–2 pm
Create a statement piece with polymer clay and semi- precious stones with Clarissa Leverich. Includes materials. For all levels. Registration required. Members $55; nonmembers $64.
Museum School Class: Floral Cake Decorating Workshop
Saturday, April 11, 10:30 am–12:30 pm
Participants will learn the techniques behind creating elegant buttercream floral designs. Includes all materials. Registration required. Members $55; nonmembers $64.
Museum School Class: Painting Spectacular Flowers in Watercolor
April 16 & 17, 10 am–4 pm
Master floral painting techniques with Robert J. O’Brien, with an emphasis on values, composition, layering, and blending. For all levels. Supply list provided. Registration required. Members $221; nonmembers $260.
Festival of Flowers is sponsored by Flowers, Flowers! and M&T Bank; and supported by Durocher Florist, Randall’s Farm & Greenhouse, and Willow & Moss Flowers.
MassMutual is the season supporter of the Springfield Museums.