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This story was published before Summer 2021, when we launched our new digital experience.

Museums Spread Joy By Sending Each Other Virtual Bouquets From Famous Artworks

Stop to scroll through the virtual roses. Museums and galleries are brightening your timeline one #MuseumBouquet at a time.

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We all could use a little cheer this week, and while they have closed for the moment, art museums and galleries all around the world are thinking in creative ways to bring anyone and everyone a little art and culture digitally.

Not only can people tune into over 500 museums and galleries virtually through Google Arts & Culture whenever they please (here are 12 famous museums to kick off your virtual tour with) but in a show of solidarity this week, hundreds of art museums and galleries are simply sending virtual bouquets to each other on Twitter using flowers depicted in famous paintings held in their collections with the hashtag #MuseumBouquet. Giving followers a new way to admire these institutions' stunning pieces.

Related: Over 100 Museums, Libraries, and Galleries Are Offering Free, Printable Coloring Sheets

According to Artnet.com, the trend all began on Tuesday when the New-York Historical Society sent apple blossoms by American painter Martin Johnson Heade to The Smithsonian American Art Museum. The historical society tweeted, "Dear @americanart, we wanted to brighten your day with these apple blossoms by American painter Martin Johnson Heade. We hope this #MuseumBouquet makes you smile today!" The museum was quick to pay it forward, sending on a grouping of colorful blooms by H. Lyman Saÿen to the Akron Art Museum.

Related: 7 Worldly Virtual Experiences That Let You Soak up Culture at Home

Soon enough, museums and galleries the world over were sending heartfelt tweets and botanical prints to brighten each other's day.

From Jean-Baptise Monnoyer's 17-century still life oil on canvas to Andy Warhol's bold flower print, and dancing daisies from installation artist Jennifer Steinkamp—keep scrolling for some of our favorite art historical florals shared by museums and galleries the world over this week.

To look through even more virtual bouquets, follow #MuseumBouquet on Twitter.

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