Westgate Oxford is set to burst into bloom this autumn as the centre unveils its glorious collaboration with the National Gallery and Global Street Art’s Murals reMastered project: a giant recreation of Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers.

The iconic and expressive artwork, one of the Dutch painter’s most notable pieces, was chosen intentionally for the city: Sunflowers pays homage to Oxford’s botanical history as home to the oldest botanic garden in the UK, the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, founded in 1621.

The larger-than-life work of art will take five days to be brought to life by Global Street Art, with the painting completed by multiple artists before the mural takes pride of place on Westgate Oxford’s entrance on the corner of Castle Street and Church Lane.

Westgate Oxford’s Sunflowers mural is the first of the National Gallery and Global Street Art’s Murals reMastered works to be installed outside of London, with the project building on the National Gallery’s long-standing commitment to sharing its collection with communities across all four nations.

To celebrate the artwork’s unveiling on 1st October, Westgate Oxford is hosting a week of sunflower-inspired activities throughout the centre.

On 26th and 27th September, The LEGO® Store invites guests to enjoy a sunflower store takeover, with free Stay & Play sessions throughout the day, with fans of all ages welcome to build their own sunflower-themed creations.

The celebrations continue on 3rd and 4th October with even more family-friendly fun: guests can snap a striking pic at the centre’s sunflower-decked backdrops before taking part in themed crafting sessions and exploring the Sunflower Wishes Wall: an interactive installation asking visitors of all ages to make a pledge to nature by writing their wish on a seed packet, which will then be planted as part of a local community initiative.

Roof Terrace bar Victors is joining in the festivities with a bespoke new Sunflower cocktail, created exclusively for the mural unveiling. A mocktail version will also be available to guests.

For an added burst of colour, Freddie’s Flowers will be giving away beautiful flower bouquets all weekend, accompanied by hosts from the Sunflower Society handing out seed packets to take home and plant to enjoy.