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Asheville Art Museum

Asheville Art Museum

North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art

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Asheville, NC 28801
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Home > Exhibitions > Flora Symbolica
Edward Jean Steichen (1879-1973), "In Exaltation of Flowers: Gloxinia, Delphinium (detail)", circa 1910–1913, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 120 × 55 inches. Art Bridges.

Flora Symbolica

The Art of Flowers

Dates:
March 7–July 28, 2025
Location:
Explore Asheville Exhibition Hall

For millennia, humans and flowers have enjoyed a rich and intertwined history spanning time and cultures. Fossilized flowers have been found at early human burial sites and flora is used in medicines and remedies. Flowers have also evolved into symbols of love, purity, and rebirth, alongside their enduring role as objects of beauty and ornamentation. Flora Symbolica: The Art of Flowers explores the meanings and messages of flowers in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries, highlighting the timeless connections among art, nature, and human experience.

The exhibition features the work of celebrated photographer and artist Edward Steichen, whose life-long infatuation with flowers deeply affected his artistic vision. Steichen often infused his portraits of women with botanical symbolism to dramatize the personalities of his sitters. Building on Steichen’s exploration of flowers as powerful personal and social emblems, this exhibition traces the many ways that flora is rooted in American art and culture.

Generous support for this exhibition is provided by Art Bridges.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum, Jessica Orzulak, PhD, associate curator and curatorial affairs manager, and Robin Klaus, PhD, assistant curator.

Related Programs & Events

Thursday, Mar 6, 2025

Flora Symbolica: Member Preview

As a valued Museum Member, we invite you to join us for the exclusive preview of our upcoming exhibition Flora Symbolica: The Art of Flowers

Saturday, Mar 29, 2025

In Exaltation of Flowers: A Dance Activation

Inspired by Isadora Duncan, a modern dance pioneer and close friend of Edward Steichen, these 10-minute dance performances will take place on the hour in

Saturday, Apr 26, 2025

Public Tour: Flora Symbolica

During this tour, you’ll discover and learn about one or more artworks featured in the Flora Symbolica exhibition. Join an engaging conversation led by Volunteer Educator Barbara

Sunday, Apr 27, 2025

Express Tour: Flora Symbolica

During this 30-minute tour, you’ll discover and learn about one or more artworks featured in the Flora Symbolica exhibition. Join an engaging conversation led by Volunteer Educator

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Express Tour: Flora Symbolica

During this 30-minute tour, you’ll discover and learn about one or more artworks featured in the Flora Symbolica exhibition. Join an engaging conversation led by Volunteer Educator

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Express Tour: Flora Symbolica

During this 30-minute tour, you’ll discover and learn about one or more artworks featured in the Flora Symbolica exhibition. Join an engaging conversation led by Volunteer Educator

Saturday, Jun 21, 2025

Express Tour: Flora Symbolica

During this 30-minute tour, you’ll discover and learn about one or more artworks featured in the Flora Symbolica exhibition. Join an engaging conversation led by Julie Levin

Saturday, Jul 12, 2025

Adult Studio: Natural Dye Workshop

Inspired by the current exhibition Flora Symbolica: The Art of Flowers, we will explore the historical stories of a variety of natural dye plants, while

Saturday, Jul 19, 2025

Express Tour: Flora Symbolica

During this 30-minute tour, you’ll discover and learn about one or more artworks featured in the Flora Symbolica exhibition. Join an engaging conversation led by Volunteer Educator

Saturday, Jul 26, 2025

Express Tour: Flora Symbolica

During this 30-minute tour, you’ll discover and learn about one or more artworks featured in the Flora Symbolica exhibition. Join an engaging conversation led by Volunteer Educator,

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Museum Hours:

Open daily 11am–6pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available.
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Museum Location:

2 South Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
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Museum Contact

828.253.3227
[email protected]
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