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Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art: Where Art Meets Nature

Experience American art in a breathtaking natural setting. Free admission to permanent collection. Open Wed-Mon.

4.8

Nestled in the Ozark landscape of Bentonville, Arkansas, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art offers a unique experience where American art masterworks from colonial times to the present are displayed within a stunning architectural setting that embraces the beauty of nature. Founded by Alice Walton and designed by Moshe Safdie, the museum provides free admission to its permanent collection, making art accessible to all.

A brief summary to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Local tips

  • Take advantage of the free admission to the permanent collection and explore American art from five centuries.
  • Explore the museum's grounds, including the sculpture garden, nature trails, and the Bachman-Wilson House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions, events, and programs.
  • Enjoy a meal or a coffee at the museum's restaurant or coffee bar, both located on a glass-enclosed bridge overlooking the ponds.
  • Plan your visit in advance and book tickets for special exhibitions or the Bachman-Wilson House to ensure availability.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Bentonville, the museum is accessible via the Crystal Bridges Trail, a scenic path that connects the town square to the museum grounds. The walk is approximately 1 mile and takes about 20-25 minutes, offering views of the surrounding landscape. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Driving

    Crystal Bridges is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712. From I-49, take exit 86 for US-62/US-71B toward Bentonville/Rogers. Follow signs for Bentonville and merge onto US-71B N/S Walton Blvd. Turn left onto Museum Way. The museum will be on your right. Free parking is available in the museum's parking garage and surface lots. During busy times, a free shuttle service is available from the Campus Parking complex. Oversized vehicles can park in the gravel lot on Museum Way.

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Discover more about Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Alice Walton and opened in 2011, is more than just an art museum; it's a destination where art, architecture, and nature converge. Designed by Moshe Safdie, the museum's series of pavilions are nestled into a ravine, creating two ponds that reflect the surrounding Ozark forest. The museum's name is derived from Crystal Spring, located on the grounds, and the bridge-like design of the buildings. The museum's mission is to celebrate the American spirit by uniting the power of art with the beauty of nature. The permanent collection spans five centuries of American art, from early American to the present day, and is always free to view. Notable works include Charles Willson Peale's portrait of George Washington, Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter, and Georgia O'Keeffe's Jimson Weed. The museum also showcases works by underrepresented artists, telling broad and inclusive stories. Crystal Bridges' architecture is as impressive as its art collection. The museum's design features a series of pavilions connected by bridge-like structures that span the stream and create scenic ponds. The roofs of the bridges, covered in deep brown copper, rise like mounds of earth across the water. The museum also incorporates local materials, such as concrete, timber, and fieldstone, to blend with the surrounding landscape. In addition to the galleries, Crystal Bridges offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant (Eleven), a coffee bar, a museum store, and a library with over 50,000 volumes of art reference material. The museum also has extensive nature trails, outdoor areas for concerts and public events, and a sculpture garden. A unique feature of the museum is the Bachman-Wilson House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, which was relocated to the museum grounds in 2015.

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