Guide to the Most Famous Flower Sculptures Around the World
Flower sculptures are a captivating blend of nature's beauty and human creativity. From intricate depictions of delicate petals to grand public displays, flowers have inspired sculptors for centuries. Here is a Petal & Poem florist guide to the most famous flower sculptures around the world and where to view them.
1. "Flower Thrower" by Banksy (2005)
About the Sculpture: While technically a street mural rather than a traditional sculpture, Banksy's "Flower Thrower" has become one of the most famous flower-related pieces of modern art. The image features a man in a protest stance, throwing a bouquet of flowers instead of a Molotov cocktail, symbolizing peace over violence.
Where to View:
Jerusalem, Israel (originally painted on a wall in the Old City; though it has since been removed, it remains an iconic representation of Banksy's message)
2. "The Flower Carrier" by Diego Rivera (1935)
About the Sculpture: This iconic sculpture, originally a painting, was also interpreted in the form of a monument. It depicts a Mexican worker carrying a large bundle of flowers, symbolizing the weight of labor and the beauty of the flowers intertwined with the hardship of life.
Where to View:
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), San Francisco, USA
National Art Museum of Mexico (Museo Nacional de Arte), Mexico City, Mexico
3. "Blossoming" by Yoshiyuki Ota (1992)
About the Sculpture: "Blossoming" is a monumental sculpture made of stainless steel that captures the essence of a flower's petal opening. The sculpture emphasizes the beauty of nature and the delicate transition from closed to open.
Where to View:
The National Art Center, Tokyo, Japan
4. "The Rose" by Jean-Michel Othoniel (1999)
About the Sculpture: Made from thousands of colorful glass beads, Othoniel's "The Rose" is a stunning flower sculpture with an intricate design that mimics the delicate beauty of a rose. This work is part of a series of flower-inspired sculptures by Othoniel.
Where to View:
Versailles Gardens, France
Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, France
5. "Floral Fountain" by Niki de Saint Phalle (1985)
About the Sculpture: Niki de Saint Phalle’s vibrant "Floral Fountain" is a large, colorful sculpture representing an abstract flower with flowing water. The piece incorporates de Saint Phalle's signature use of bright colors and dynamic shapes, symbolizing both nature and human creativity.
Where to View:
Fountain of Flowers, in Parc de la Villette, Paris, France
6. "Tulip" by Jeff Koons (2012)
About the Sculpture: Jeff Koons’ "Tulip" is a massive stainless steel sculpture that reimagines the iconic flower in a playful and highly polished form. The work reflects Koons’ interest in transforming everyday objects into larger-than-life works of art.
Where to View:
The Guggenheim Museum, New York City, USA
Public installations worldwide (Koons' works often travel for exhibitions)
7. "The Lotus Fountain" by Jiang Jian (2004)
About the Sculpture: Located in the Shanghai World Expo Garden, this massive lotus flower fountain by sculptor Jiang Jian is made of intricate stonework and flowing water, celebrating the symbolic meaning of the lotus in Chinese culture, which represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.
Where to View:
Shanghai World Expo Garden, Shanghai, China
8. "Flower of Life" by David Oliveira (2016)
About the Sculpture: David Oliveira's "Flower of Life" is a stunning installation that uses wire frames to create an abstract yet recognizably floral structure. The sculpture’s intricate geometric patterns reflect the concept of the "flower of life" — an ancient symbol of creation and unity.
Where to View:
Museum of Art and History, Geneva, Switzerland
9. "Fleurs de Mur" by Pascal Dufaux (2008)
About the Sculpture: "Fleurs de Mur" (Flowers of the Wall) is a series of flower sculptures created by French artist Pascal Dufaux. Using a mix of materials like metal and glass, these sculptures come alive with light and movement, turning the flower into an abstract, modern form.
Where to View:
Private collections and public art installations in France and Europe
10. "Giant Flower" by Claes Oldenburg (1972)
About the Sculpture: Swedish-American sculptor Claes Oldenburg is famous for transforming everyday objects into large-scale sculptures. In this piece, he creates a giant flower, turning the common into the monumental. The exaggerated size of the sculpture makes it an iconic public piece.
Where to View:
The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, USA
Public spaces in the USA
11. "Fiori" by Fernando Botero (1992)
About the Sculpture: This sculpture by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero represents a large, inflated version of a flower, emphasizing volume and size. Known for his signature style of exaggerated proportions, Botero's "Fiori" plays with the idea of softness and growth in a playful manner.
Where to View:
Botero Plaza, Medellín, Colombia
12. "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt (1907-1908)
About the Sculpture: While Klimt’s "The Kiss" is primarily known as a painting, the flower motifs in the gold-leaf patterns of the piece have been incorporated into sculptures by various artists as a tribute to the original. These sculptures emphasize the floral elements in Klimt’s intricate design.
Where to View:
Various museums and galleries worldwide, including The Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Austria (for the painting)
13. "Botanical Garden Sculpture" by Eduardo Paolozzi (1980s)
About the Sculpture: The "Botanical Garden Sculpture" by Eduardo Paolozzi is an abstract representation of flower forms. Using a combination of natural and industrial materials, Paolozzi explores the relationship between the organic and mechanical world.
Where to View:
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland
14. "Flower" by Yayoi Kusama (2015)
About the Sculpture: Known for her use of polka dots and repetitive patterns, Kusama’s "Flower" sculptures are striking, large-scale installations featuring bright colors and vibrant forms. Kusama’s exploration of flowers incorporates both natural and fantastical elements.
Where to View:
David Zwirner Gallery, New York City, USA
Public installations worldwide
Flower sculptures span a wide variety of forms, from the naturalistic to the abstract, and their creators come from diverse backgrounds, offering unique interpretations of floral beauty. Whether it's Banksy's peace symbol, Koons' playful interpretations, or the cultural symbolism in Jiang Jian's lotus, each piece provides a reflection on both the fragility and strength of nature. Visiting these masterpieces around the world allows us to appreciate the richness of flowers in art while contemplating their deeper meanings.
