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Phipps Conservatory’s Rhythm and Blooms
Music and art have often gone hand in hand, and for a brief period of time, visitors to Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh can enjoy the conservatory’s signature chrysanthemum displays styled after various genres of music.
The exhibit encompasses a few of Phipps’ rooms, starting with the Palm Court, which highlights jazz music with a light-up piano flowing with water. Other genres include rock, with a color-changing pond in the Victoria Room; bluegrass, with hay bales and leaves evoking not just the music but also the fall season; classical music perfectly evoked with pink and cream chrysanthemums; and hip-hop, with brightly colored mums making for the most interesting display of the show.
It’s a delight to see the creativity that went into the show — each flower display is gorgeous, as Phipps displays always are, and wonderfully evokes the genre it’s paired with, though some work better than others. Many of the songs featured also have a Pittsburgh connection, and Phipps commissioned local artists to create the art with the hip-hop display. As for the flowers, all 13 different classes of mums are featured.
