Where Art & Flowers Intertwine
Cheekwood’s Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE Returns in 2026 to Inspire Visitors
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville is known for its stunning gardens, world-class artwork, and incredible events. Each year, the 55-acre botanical gardens come to life with 250,000 tulips springing up during the annual Cheekwood in Bloom, 75,000 pumpkins during the autumn harvest, and over a million lights illuminating the estate during the holidays transforming it into a winter wonderland. Every time I visit, I am simply in awe of the gardens and estate as the theme changes from season-to-season. There is no place quite like it.
However, just when I thought Cheekwood could not surprise me, they came up with something new.
Last year, Cheekwood outdid itself with a new 10-day exhibit called Fleurs de Villes ARISTE and in 2026, it will be returning. Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE will be at Cheekwood Estate from August 1–9, 2026. You won’t want to miss it!
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What was Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE?
The Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE exhibit showcased a curated collection of 13 life-size fresh floral mannequins created by Nashville’s top floral designers.
Each one was inspired by works of art that can actually be found in the estate’s permanent art collection housed in the historic mansion.
Until you experience Fleurs de Villes in person, breathing in the aromatic scent of the flowers, feasting your eyes on the vibrant bursts of color, you simply cannot fully appreciate its true grandeur.
These one-of-a-kind events never last more than a few days because just like all life, fresh cut flowers are impermanent by nature and their beauty lasts but only a fleeting moment in time.
Featured above are Babette, a painting by Eugene Edward Speicher transformed into a floral masterpiece by LL Floral and sponsored by Russell Bates and Ben Scott; and Summer Afternoon, a painting by Lillian Genth transformed by LMA Designs and sponsored by Janice Morgan and Gus Mayer from Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE in 2025.
Featured above are Reverie (Young Woman with Violin and Rose), a painting by Theodore Robinson brought to life by Rose Lane Floral Design and sponsored by Nan Nelson Parrish; and Kathleen Millay , a painting by Joseph Stella transformed into an awe-inspiring floral display by Bloom Flowers sponsored by Sylvia Rapoport and Ronald Soltman from Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE in 2025.
Featured above is Lady in White, a painting by Frank Weston Benson brought to life by Rose Hills Flowers and sponsored by Josephine Darwin and Mary Follin Simonsen from Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE in 2025.
2026 Update: Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE Returns to Cheekwood
Fleurs de Villes is returning to Cheekwood in 2026 with an all-new exhibition, Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE, running August 1–9, 2026.
Inspired by HBO Max's acclaimed series The Gilded Age, the exhibit will feature breathtaking fresh floral mannequins designed by local Nashville florists and displayed throughout Cheekwood's Historic Mansion & Museum, Botanic Hall, and Frist Learning Center. Visitors can also enjoy special events, workshops, and extended evening hours on select dates during the exhibition.
If you loved last year's floral display or missed it entirely, this year's event promises yet another unforgettable experience and is one of my top recommendations for visiting Cheekwood this summer.
What to Expect at Fleurs de Villes
From the moment you step inside Cheekwood’s Historic Mansion, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking displays of fresh flowers transformed into stunning works of art. Talented local floral designers create the life-size mannequins almost entirely from fresh blooms, each one inspired by the event's annual theme.
As you wander the mansion (as well as the Botanic Hall, and Frist Learning Center), you'll discover these intricate floral creations around every corner, each one more impressive than the last.
Whether you're a floral enthusiast or simply looking for something unique to do in Nashville this summer, Fleurs de Villes is an unforgettable experience that blends art, fashion, and nature into one spectacular display that will surprise you.
Tips for Visiting Cheekwood
✨ Purchase Cheekwood tickets in advance online.
Fleurs de Villes is one of Cheekwood's most popular annual events and tickets are available through a timed entry system. Book your Garden & Mansion tickets online ahead of time to ensure availability on the date of your visit.
✨ Check the weather before you go.
Even though Fleurs de Artiste is indoors, you will undoubtedely want to explore Cheekwood's beautiful outdoor gardens during yoru visits. Be sure to check the weather before purchasing tickets as Nashville receives a lot of rain annually.
✨ Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Cheekwood's 55-acre estate is much larger than you might expect. Between exploring the gardens, wandering through the mansion, and stopping to admire the floral displays, you can easily spend a few hours on your feet so wear comfortable walking shoes.
✨ Visit early or on a weekday.
For the best photos and a more peaceful experience, arrive early in the morning or plan your visit on a weekday when the gardens and exhibits are typically less crowded.
✨Explore beyond the floral exhibit.
While Fleurs de Villes is the main attraction, don't miss Cheekwood's sculpture trail, Japanese Garden, Color Garden, and artwork on display on the upper floor of the Historic Mansion. It's easy to spend half a day exploring everything the estate has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
💡 Planning your visit? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Fleurs de Villes at Cheekwood.
🌸 What is Fleurs de Villes?
Fleurs de Villes is an internationally recognized floral exhibition that brings together talented local florists to create stunning, life-size mannequins made almost entirely of fresh flowers with each exhibit following a unique theme.
🌸 When is Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE at Cheekwood?
Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE will be on display at Cheekwood from August 1–9, 2026.
🌸 Do you need a special ticket to see Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE?
No, but a Garden & Mansion admission ticket is required.
🌸 How much time do you need to see Fleurs de Villes?
Plan to spend about 2–3 hours exploring the floral exhibits, gardens, mansion, and other attractions throughout Cheekwood during your visit. If you plan to have lunch at Cheekwood, allow more time.
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