Crystal Bridges Museum: A Must-Visit Art Destination in Arkansas

Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville is one of the most impressive and unique art museums in the United States. We were immediately struck by its stunning architecture, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding Ozark Mountains. The museum’s founder, Alice Walton, chose this location specifically for its natural beauty and tranquility, and it’s easy to see why.

Inside, the museum boasts an impressive collection of American art, ranging from colonial times to contemporary pieces. We were particularly moved by the works of Georgia O’Keeffe, Norman Rockwell, and Andy Warhol, among many others. The museum’s curators have done an excellent job of presenting the art in a way that is both engaging and informative, with plenty of context and background information provided throughout the galleries.

One of the most unique aspects of Crystal Bridges is its commitment to accessibility. Admission to the museum is completely free, thanks to the generosity of the Walton family. This makes it possible for anyone to experience the beauty and wonder of the art on display. Additionally, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and resources for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, including guided tours, workshops, and online resources.

History of Crystal Bridges Museum

Founding of the Museum

Crystal Bridges Museum was founded by Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, in 2005. Alice had a passion for art and a desire to share it with the public. She chose the name “Crystal Bridges” in honor of the natural springs and bridges located on the museum’s grounds.

After selecting the site in Bentonville, Arkansas, Alice hired renowned architect Moshe Safdie to design the museum. Construction began in 2007 and the museum opened its doors to the public on November 11, 2011.

Building the Collection

From the beginning, Alice Walton had a clear vision for the museum’s collection. She wanted to showcase American art from the colonial era to contemporary times. To achieve this, she assembled a team of experts to help her acquire works of art.

The morning of our visit, we learned of a tour happening shortly after opening that would give us a great overview of the Museum and highlight not only the items on display but the history and architecture of the whole space.  It was a wonderful tour and definitely helped us to more thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.

Let’s Pause for a Funny

We were laughing several times during the tour as to our change in “status” as empty nesters.  Several buses pulled up outside as we were walking to the doors to go in.  “Oh, dear.”  Then later we were viewing a small scale size display of the whole property during our tour.  The room was full of talkative kids who were on their own field trip.  While we were clearly the youngest of the tour group by about 15 years, everyone was grimacing in frustration as we were not able to hear the tour guide over the kids.  Later, groups of kids were joyfully moving between exhibits. As their haggard teachers and parents following behind, my thought was “Been there.  Done that.  I feel your pain.”  It also occurred to me, we have now joined the “blue hairs.”  Next we will be on a tour bus with our lunch and a fanny pack headed to somewhere touristy.

Back to the Museum….One of the museum’s first acquisitions was Asher B. Durand’s “Kindred Spirits,” a painting that had been in private hands for more than 30 years. The museum also acquired works by other American artists such as Norman Rockwell, Thomas Hart Benton, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Over the years, the museum’s collection has continued to grow. Today, it includes more than 5,000 works of art, ranging from colonial portraits to contemporary installations. We are proud to share our collection with visitors from all over the world.

Architecture and Design

Overview of the Museum’s Design

When we first arrived at Crystal Bridges Museum, we were struck by the beauty of the building and the surrounding landscape. The museum was designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie and opened in 2011. The design of the museum is meant to blend in with the natural surroundings, and it does so seamlessly.  We walked around the grounds to look at the displays of outdoor inspirations.

 

                                 

 

 

 

The museum is split into two main sections: the galleries and the bridge. The galleries are housed in a series of interconnected pavilions that are nestled into a ravine. The pavilions are made of concrete and wood, and the roofs are covered in copper. The bridge, which spans a pond, is made of glass and wood and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

 

 

Notable Architectural Features

One of the most notable features of the museum is the bridge. The bridge is 50 feet tall and spans 120 feet across the pond. It is made of glass and wood, and provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Another notable feature of the museum is the use of natural light. The galleries are designed to let in natural light, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of natural light also allows visitors to see the artwork in a more natural setting.

The museum also features a number of outdoor spaces, including walking trails, sculpture gardens, and a courtyard. These outdoor spaces are designed to encourage visitors to explore the natural surroundings and interact with the artwork in a more intimate setting.

One of the more interesting outdoor “exhibits” was on a pond below the Museum.  Hundreds of stainless steel balls were floating in the pond.  They are free floating and the wind that day had pushed them all into one end.  As they jostled in the water and against each other, they gave off a faint tinkling sound.  It was very unique.  Apparently, I didn’t get a picture of this.  However, I did find someone for Tim to visit with.  Not much of a talker though.

Collection Highlights

American Art Collection

Our American Art Collection at Crystal Bridges Museum is one of the most impressive in the country. We have works from some of the most well-known American artists, including Norman Rockwell, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Edward Hopper. One of the highlights of our collection is Asher B. Durand’s “Kindred Spirits,” which depicts Thomas Cole and William Cullen Bryant deep in conversation in the Catskill Mountains. This painting is considered a masterpiece of the Hudson River School.

 

In addition to paintings, they also have an extensive collection of American sculpture. One of the most popular pieces is James Turrell’s “Skyspace,” which is a unique installation that allows visitors to experience the sky in a whole new way. By looking up through an opening in the ceiling, visitors can see the sky in a different light and gain a new perspective on the world around them.

 

There were some unique items too.  This picture looks like a lot of strings.  They were shoestrings put into little holes.  When you looked at the display from far away, you see it spells out words.  Cool!

 

 

 

 

 

As we were walking around and looking at the different displays, this one caught our eye. The picture looks like the cases are beaming lights.  Reflection off the glass.  It is not a great picture (sorry) however, the point is that the items are gifted in memory of people who lived 15 minutes from us.  Pretty cool!

 

 

Some of the pieces were HUGE.  I cannot imagine how long it took to paint this one.  It was incredible, as well.

 

Overall, the collection highlights at Crystal Bridges Museum offer visitors a unique and engaging experience. Whether you’re interested in American art or contemporary installations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. They are constantly adding new works to the collection and hosting new exhibitions, so be sure to check back often to see what’s new.

Visiting Crystal Bridges Museum

Crystal Bridges Museum is a must-see destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Here’s what you need to know before your visit:

Hours and Admission

Crystal Bridges is open from 10am to 6pm Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, and from 10am to 9pm on Wednesday and Friday. Admission to the museum is always free, but some special exhibitions may require a ticket purchase.

Pro tip: arrive early in the day to avoid crowds (or school field trips) and get a head start on exploring the beautiful grounds.

Dining and Shopping

After working up an appetite, head to the museum’s restaurant, Eleven, for a delicious meal made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of the surrounding Ozark landscape. We ate lunch here.  It was reasonably priced and really, really good.

Overall, we spent 6 HOURS on the grounds of the Museum.  It was definitely the highlight of the trip.  Visiting Crystal Bridges Museum is an unforgettable experience that we highly recommend. With its world-class art collection, breathtaking architecture, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s no wonder that this museum has become a beloved cultural institution in the heart of the United States.

Stay tuned for more info on our Adventure trip to Bentonville.  It was a great weekend.

Click here to go to the Crystal Bridges Museum website.