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Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Where Art Meets Nature

Discover five centuries of American art where architecture meets nature in the heart of the Ozark forest. Free admission to permanent collection.

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Nestled in the Ozark landscape of Bentonville, Arkansas, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art offers a unique experience where American art spanning five centuries is showcased within stunning architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding natural beauty. Founded by Alice Walton and designed by Moshe Safdie, the museum provides free admission to its permanent collection, inviting all to explore the American spirit through art.

A brief summary to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

  • Monday 11 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-8 pm
  • Friday 11 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Take advantage of the free admission to the permanent collection and explore American art through the centuries.
  • Explore the outdoor trails and sculpture gardens to experience the blend of art and nature.
  • Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Bachman-Wilson House on the museum grounds for a unique architectural experience.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions, events, and programs.
  • Consider visiting the Momentary, Crystal Bridges' satellite contemporary art space, for a different artistic experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Bentonville, the museum is accessible via a network of walking trails. The trails wind through the Ozark landscape, providing a scenic route to the museum. Follow the signs for Crystal Bridges; the walk is approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 30-40 minutes.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow Museum Way to the museum. Free parking is available in the museum's attached parking garage and in the Campus Parking complex located across from the Amazeum. During busy times, a complimentary shuttle service is available from the Campus Parking to the museum's main entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) provides public transportation in the Bentonville area. Check the ORT website for the most up-to-date route and schedule information to reach the museum. From the ORT bus stops, follow the walking paths to the museum entrance. A single ride fare is around $1.25.

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Discover more about Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Alice Walton and designed by Moshe Safdie, opened its doors on November 11, 2011, with the mission to celebrate the American spirit by uniting art and nature. The museum's name is derived from the nearby Crystal Spring and the bridge-like design of the structures. The 217,000-square-foot complex is nestled within 120 acres of Ozark forest, featuring a series of pavilions made of concrete, glass, and wood set along a stream bed. These pavilions house galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, a library, a sculpture garden, and a museum store designed by Marlon Blackwell. The architecture emphasizes the interaction between art, nature, and people, with the roofs of the museum's bridges covered in deep brown copper, rising like mounds of earth across the ponds. The museum's permanent collection showcases American art from the Colonial era to the present day. Visitors can view works by artists such as Charles Willson Peale, Norman Rockwell, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Crystal Bridges also incorporates a structure designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bachman-Wilson House, which was relocated to the museum grounds. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and partners with other institutions like the Louvre to share art and promote cross-cultural understanding. Crystal Bridges is committed to accessibility, offering free general admission to its permanent collection. The museum also provides amenities such as a restaurant (Eleven), a coffee bar, and five miles of walking trails that connect the museum to downtown Bentonville.

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