Spring Blooms at Rockefeller Center: Van Cleef & Arpels’ Enchanting Installation

Once again, the vibrant season of spring has arrived at Rockefeller Center, thanks to the exquisite craftsmanship of Van Cleef & Arpels. The renowned jeweler has collaborated with French artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet to unveil the “Spring Is Blooming” installation, which will grace the iconic New York landmark for the first three weeks of May.

A Celebration of Nature and Artistry

Helen King, president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels Americas, shared the significance of this event: “The arrival of spring is our most important annual celebration. It provides us with a unique opportunity to showcase our longstanding themes centered around florals and nature.” She expressed excitement over having Navet’s artistry featured at Rockefeller Center, emphasizing a shared spirit of renewal, optimism, and an appreciation for urban culture.

The Artistic Journey of Alexandre Benjamin Navet

This marks the third collaboration with Navet, a versatile artist whose previous work adorned Van Cleef & Arpels boutique facades in 2020. In the upcoming 2025 edition, Navet reimagines the Art Deco space into a vibrant French garden, integrating interactive elements and a whimsical design that welcomes spring for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Inspiration Behind the Installation

Navet draws from a “poetic daydream” to craft an immersive experience. He describes, “We envisioned a space where visitors can look up and be mesmerized by a blossoming canopy, evoking the essence of nature.” The installation is designed to encourage visitors to slow down, engage with their surroundings, and appreciate the seasonal beauty around them.

Bringing Spring to Life

Navet explained that each new chapter of this project allows for fresh exploration of themes found in nature. “This year, I experimented with watercolor and colored pencil sketches,” he noted. Collaborating closely with Van Cleef & Arpels, they developed a vibrant new color palette featuring mossy greens, sunny yellows, soft purples, sky blues, and cherry blossom pinks—colors that embody the essence of spring.

A Month of Cultural Celebrations

Throughout May, Van Cleef & Arpels will engage the public with a series of activities tailored for families and visitors. The weekend programs will feature dance performances, storybook readings for children, painting sessions, and poetry readings. These vibrant events will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with evening illuminations reflecting the seasonal designs across Van Cleef & Arpels’ New York Flagship and boutiques.

A Dream Realized

Reflecting on the project, Navet expressed his gratitude: “Creating an installation at Rockefeller Center is a dream come true. The trust and creativity shared between us inspire bigger conversations.” With nature’s constant cycle of renewal serving as his muse, he remains committed to exploring spring’s transformative power through art.