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For the Mumentous Exhibit

Keeping Texas Traditions

Across the U.S. during the first half of the 20th century, it was traditional for a young man to give his date a chrysanthemum corsage to wear to their high school homecoming game. Since then, this simple practice has nearly disappeared everywhere except in Texas, where it has instead evolved into something much more complex. Today’s typical Texas “mum” is a full-body adornment of artificial flowers, ribbons, and embellishments that is substantial in both proportion and meaning to those who create, give, and wear it.

Mum’s the Word

Go big on Texas tradition. Join Amy J. Schultz, the artist behind "MUMENTOUS®: The Upsizing of a Texas Tradition," for a lively panel discussion with the Institute of Texan Cultures' Head Curator Bianca Alvarez and Exhibits Coordinator Cristina Winston, that dives deep into one of the state’s most iconic—and ever-expanding—rites of passage.

Bigger in Texas:

Everything is bigger in Texas — and homecoming mums are no exception. When the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) opens its doors at Frost Tower in early 2026, it’ll celebrate with a “Homecoming” of its own. The museum’s first visiting exhibition, “MUMENTOUS: The Upsizing of a Texas Tradition,” is a colorful, larger-than-life tribute to one of the state’s most creative traditions — the homecoming mum.

MUMENTOUS®: The Upsizing of a Texas Tradition

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MUMENTOUS®: The Upsizing of a Texas Tradition is an artistic, sociological, and personal exploration of a deeply rooted and unique Texas high school tradition: the exchange and wearing of huge artificial floral “corsages” to homecoming football games. This exhibit explores a ritual that has stood the test of time and the people that keep the tradition alive.

Step into a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture with our gallery of mums—handcrafted by members of our local community. These dazzling floral creations have evolved into elaborate, expressive works of art that reflect personal stories, school pride, and regional identity.

MUMENTOUS® is organized by the Arlington Museum of Art, Arlington, Texas. 
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