Most recently updated March 20th, 2026
“Art in Bloom” is an annual fundraiser at the North Carolina Museum of Art, taking place March 18-22, 2026.
More than 50 floral designers from across North Carolina and beyond will interpret artwork and objects in the NCMA’s People’s Collection during this five-day festival of florals.
This year’s theme, “Written in the Stars”, is reflected in 14 gallery installations inspired by the zodiac’s astrological signs and their various meanings.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a media “sneak preview” of the exhibit before it opened. And I have to say, if you can find a way to get there – do it!!
As the NCMA’s largest annual fundraiser, Art in Bloom supports the museum’s public programming, annual exhibitions and the NCMA Foundation, Inc.
(PNC Bank returns as the founding presenting sponsor of Art in Bloom.)
The five-day event also includes floral workshops, lectures and programs as well as special extended hours and expanded food options.
See more information on related events by visiting ncartmuseum.org/artinbloom.
Admission is now SOLD OUT to Art in Bloom at the NCMA, March 18-22, 2026.
BUT THERE’S STILL A WAY TO SEE IT!
For a chance to see Art in Bloom plus more, purchase a raffle ticket here.
Also, see the “Art in Bloom” promo page on the NCMA website, for other upcoming Art in Bloom-related events, and Membership information.
Gallery of Art in Bloom Photos
All of the photos in this article were snaps I took at the preview of the artworks presented at that time.
During the show, we’re only supposed to use photos of the installations for personal use – seems fair, right?
So I’ll open my exhibit photo Gallery next week, after the event is officially closed.
So, watch this space 🙂
About the North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art’s collection spans more than 5,000 years, from antiquity to the present, making the institution one of the premier art museums in the South.
The NCMA collection provides educational, aesthetic, intellectual and cultural experiences for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond.
The museum is located at 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. in Raleigh and is home to the People’s Collection.
Just a word about parking at the NCMA during Art in Bloom – even if you’re just there to go to the park – it will be terrible!
If you can park at a nearby location, and walk in, it will be much better for you ! 🙂
About the NCMA Art Park
The 164-acre Museum Park showcases the connection between art and nature through site-specific works of environmental art.
The museum park offers changing special exhibitions, classes, lectures, family activities, films and concerts.
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Outdoors, beyond the beautiful indoor art exhibits, the North Carolina Museum of Art Park has been a tremendous gift to the whole Raleigh community.
The park’s trails and open lawns, ponds and pools, plus larger than life and interactive outdoor art provide a beautiful open air gathering place for everyone.
I’ve gotten a lot of good use from the safe – and inexpensive – outdoor activities for kids the Museum Park has made available over the years.
From the time my daughter was in kindergarten, through her college years – and even now as a young adult in the community – the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) and the Museum Park events and grounds have been a big part of both of our lives.
NCMA PARK TRAILS
The Park’s trail system of both paved and unpaved paths leads visitors through natural areas and to commissioned works of art.
Designed for hiking, walking, and jogging, the unpaved natural trails allow visitors to experience art and nature combined.
Cyclists and self-propelled wheeled vehicles may use the paved trails.
I usually lead longer hikes that begin in other locations, and use the NCMA Park as a good mid-point place for a break.
While you’re there, you can look at indoor and outdoor exhibits, and take a break at the Rodin sculpture garden.
There are also public restrooms outdoors and water fountains to refill your bottles.
Trails Inside the Museum Park
There are only a couple of miles of trails inside the park. You can hike or bike further on other connected local and statewide greenways.
But, if you just want to stay inside the Museum Park, you can create some multi-trail loops to add more mileage.
Take a look at the Museum Park Map to find where the trails connect.
To read a more detailed post about the Museum of Art Park Trails and connected hiking and biking routes, please see this Idratherwalk article about the NCMA Art Park.
What’s Happening at the NCMA?
To see what all is currently going on at the NCMA and the Museum Park, check the NCMA website’s Event Calendar.
You can also join the museum’s email list for news about upcoming events.
Get Involved
There are many ways you can get involved at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
You can volunteer, become a docent, an intern – or even get a job at the museum.
See all of the ways you can help on the museum’s Get Involved page.
Volunteer
The North Carolina Museum of Art is always looking for energetic and qualified volunteers to help!
Projects include mulching trails, removing exotic species, planting seedlings, removing trash, and maintaining art installations, which could include painting, cleaning, or installing art pieces.
Volunteer hours are available on either a regular or an on-call basis during weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Corporate groups, individuals, and teens are all welcome.
Learn more here: Volunteer at the NCMA
Become a Member
As a Member of the museum you’ll enjoy free admission to exhibitions, invitations to special events, discounts in the Museum Store and Iris restaurant, eligibility for pre-sales, and free admission to outdoor movies!
Memberships are good for one year (12 consecutive months), beginning when the membership is purchased.
Read more here about how to become a Museum member.
Park Info
Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit to the Museum Park.
Hours: The Park is free and open daily, including holidays, from dawn to dusk.
Location: 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
Museum phone: (919) 839-6262
I hope you get a chance to take your family to the NCMA Museum Park while the weather is still nice!
NOTE: Idratherwalk.com was named a local NCMA expert on ApartmentGuide.
Read the full article here: Unique Things To Do in Raleigh, NC
Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ
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LJ has spent much of her free time as a single Mom – and now as an empty-nester – hiking in the US and around the world. She shares lessons learned from adventures both local and in exotic locations, and tips on how to be active with asthma, plus travel, gear, and hike planning advice for parents hiking with kids and beginners of all ages. Read more on the About page.