Out of all the museums in Boston that I adore, The Museum of Fine Arts is by far one of my favorites. It’s a place I can get lost in for hours as I wander from floor to floor, room to room, and I’m always stumbling upon something new or unique that I’d never seen before each and every time I visit. I’ve never had a bad experience there – but I also haven’t been back to visit since February of 2020 – right before my best friend Kelsey died and right before the COVID-19 pandemic officially began.
Maybe it’s because I subconsciously associate that last trip to the MFA with two very traumatic things that happened in my life (and so many others’ lives) since February/March of 2020 and everything that was going on at that time seem to blur together into one thick, hazy fog – but I hadn’t felt compelled to come back until just recently. Upon learning that I had an opportunity to check out the last day of the museum’s annual, but very limited “Art In Bloom” Festival this past weekend – I finally took a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and went back once and for all.
The “Art In Bloom” Festival typically lasts for just one long weekend – Friday through Sunday – and features a number of extravagant floral arrangements put together by local greenhouses and garden clubs that are inspired by works of art scattered throughout the museum. Upon entry, you’re provided with a map to help you locate the arrangements, and each display features the appropriate credits and a QR code you you scan to learn more about not only the painting/sculpture, but also the floral design and how it was created for the event, as well.
There’s a number of guided tours, classes, and family-friendly events included throughout the festival, as well – so it’s perfect for all ages and for both locals and tourists alike.
I couldn’t have picked a favorite collaboration since everything was so detailed and beautiful, and curated so perfectly – but I snapped plenty of photos throughout my stay of the ones I was able to find and see up-close.
The one complaint I do have, or maybe it’s an observation, was about the behavior of some of the people at the museum. I feel like in the aftermath of COVID-19 and long-term quarantines and social distancing, a lot of people have sort of forgotten how to conduct themselves in public or in a crowd. While the festival was indeed very busy, and there were large groups of people gathered around the floral arrangements and paintings at any given time, there were so many instances where I was pushed, shoved, cut in front of in line, and in one moment – had a woman physically push my hand down as she cut in front of me when it was my turn to approach the exhibit so she could shove her camera in front of my face and snap a photo of the flowers before I even got close to it.
In another moment, I had ducked into a nearby tour guide’s explanation of one of the collaborations since I had been curious as to how they put such an intricate arrangement together. Another woman, unrelated to the one who had put her hands on me earlier in the day, hit the tour guide with her phone as she shoved past her to loudly FaceTime the exhibit with someone. It was an accident, of course – but there were no “excuse me,” or “I’m sorry,” or even “please” and “thank you” to be found anywhere. It was WILD. I had to be assertive and advocate for myself in an environment where I shouldn’t have had to feel that way – which kind of put a little cloud over the whole experience. As beautiful as the Festival was, it was not relaxing by any means.
The next time I visit the MFA, I’ll do so on a weekday when it’s not nearly as busy, and if I decide to check out the “Art in Bloom” Festival in the future, I’ll probably splurge so I can do it after-hours during one of the museum’s special events for members only. It might not save me money – but it will sure save my sanity!
After everything, I took a quick walk through Back Bay and Boston Common to check out the blooming tulips before the rain came. I always forget how much I love the park. I really should visit more often!
Have a great weekend, everyone – and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and moms-to-be out there! I’ll be back next weekend with a fun Spring/Summer-inspired recipe, a look at my day out with my own mom I have planned, and a peek at one of the more casual looks I typically wear throughout this time of year.
See you all then!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 