Visit: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Visit: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
A hidden gem in Arkansas and the best part, it's FREE!
Recently, I was invited on a press trip to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and its very cool sibling art space, The Momentary Bentonville (Crystal Bridges acquired this sister contemporary visual art space) in Bentonville, Arkansas. And as someone who loves to explore, travel, and take photos, I was more than excited to go and see what this museum had to offer.
So I gassed up my car and hit the open road leaving Oklahoma City with my partner in crime, Ingrid for a little fun girl's road trip and staycation. Three short hours later we arrived in Bentonville, AR ready to explore one of America's most world-renowned art museums.
Ready to travel around the USA? Be sure to check out my travel guides for fun things to do in San Antonio, TX, Maui, HI, Oklahoma City, OK, and Houston, TX too!
About Crystal Bridges Museum - The Art Museum that Walmart Built
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is actually a museum that Walmart built. No, seriously! Crystal Bridges Museum was established with the help of art and money donations from Alice Walton (heir to the Walmart fortune) and the Walton Family Foundation. And, after beginning as a passion project for Ms. Walton, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has rapidly grown to become one of Arkansas's most well-known museums.
Visiting the Crystal Bridges Museum - What to Know Before You Go
Where is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Located?
Just a quick and scenic 3-hour drive from OKC and a 2-hour drive from Tulsa, you'll find the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas--a small, quaint town located in the corner of northwest Arkansas with lush green hillsides and crystal-blue streams.
Crystal Bridges Location Address: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712
How Long Has Crystal Bridges Been Open?
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art first opened its doors to the public on November 11, 2011, with a collection of exhibits that highlight outstanding works of American art from across time periods. Their permanent collection has grown steadily since its inception, with permanent displays being added, enthralling temporary exhibits offered, and outside artistic sculptural grounds.
What Kind of Art is at the Crystal Bridges Museum?
The Crystal Bridges Museum specializes in an array of American art from the 18th century to the present day celebrating the American spirit. Everything from contemporary artists to impressionism to abstract American art is showcased in this amazing museum.
What Kind of Exhibits Does the Crystal Bridges Museum Feature?
The Crystal Bridges Museum focuses on rotating exhibits featuring both the museum's permanent collection and temporary collections. Some of the most famous art at Crystal Bridges that have been featured here include Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keefe, Norman Rockwell, Alexander Calder, Sol LeWitt, Kara Walker, and more. And don’t miss their seasonal immersive outdoor exhibits like the Crystal Bridges Northern Lights.
Since the Crystal Bridges Museum is constantly changing exhibits there are always new interesting works to see every time you visit.
Is the Crystal Bridges Museum Free?
Are you looking for something free? You'll be delighted to know that the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is free of charge! That's right, the Crystal Bridges museum tickets are free admission! General admission to Crystal Bridges' permanent collection is sponsored by Walmart, which means you can ball on a budget while appreciating art. There are occasional exceptions for member-only events and for special and temporary exhibitions that the museum might hold but honestly, those are so worth it.
How Long Does It Take To Go Through the Crystal Bridges Museum?
Grab a pair of comfy shoes because the Crystal Bridges is quite large--201,000 square feet to be exact.
When we visited, we spent about three and a half hours exploring the exhibits which were all indoors. And we still didn't see everything. Also, if you're the type of person who loves to walk around and just enjoy nature, then plan on spending about two hours outside walking through the outdoor sculpture garden and Crystal Bridges Trails.
Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, don't worry if you too aren't able to conquer Crystal Bridges in a day. Relax and take your time exploring this amazing space. Grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at the museum restaurant, Eleven, or stop by the museum store for a little retail therapy while catching your second wind.
Don't forget that the museum is completely free, that the museum hours are generous, and that Crystal Bridges is open almost every day of the year, allowing you to see it as many times as you like.
Crystal Bridges Museum COVID Safety Policy
As of my visit, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is very committed to safety for all. Visitors ages 2 and up and employees must wear face-covering indoors and for outdoor programs, except when eating or drinking.
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Visit: The Momentary Contemporary Art Gallery - Bentonville, AR
Don’t forget to check out my Travel page for more ideas
What to See at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
You are immediately enveloped in pure creativity and art as soon as you arrive at Crystal Bridges. From the museum entrance, we descended the elevator to the main museum level for a full day of art-filled fun.
Pro-Tip: Ask one of the friendly Crystal Bridges employees about how to hear the fascinating echo effect in the main corridor when you first step out of the elevator.
Here Are a Few of My Favorite Exhibits at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
"Hanging Heart" (Gold/Magenta) by Jeff Koons greets you as you enter the museum cafe and coffee bar, Eleven.
"Portrait of a Florentine Nobleman" by Kehinde Wiley (found in the museum's contemporary art section). To summarize, any work by this artist is always a must-see for me.
"Infinity Mirrored Room - My Heart Is Dancing into the Universe" by Yayoi Kusama. I first encountered Kusama's work at the Houston Museum of Fine Art a few years ago, and her visually immersive pieces never cease to astonish me.
"We the People" by Nari Ward is made out of thousands upon thousands of tiny multicolored shoelaces.
"Crystal Bridges at 10" - An exhibit celebrating Crystal Bridges' 10th anniversary with an immersive display of 10 distinct art experiences showcasing the museum's collection and the local community 10 years after its opening.
Final Thoughts About My Visit to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a must-visit for anyone living in the region--or even if you're just passing through, like me. The museum features a wide range of exhibits that showcase some of America's most celebrated artists and art from across time periods, as well as incredible architecture with over 120 acres of woodlands and gardens. And you’ll never need to ask, “how much does it cost to go to Crystal Bridges?” because admission to the permanent galleries is always free! There are always plenty of things to see while visiting Bentonville, Arkansas--even though it might take more than one visit to experience all there is on offer! I'll definitely be back and I hope you get a chance to visit too!
What are some of your favorite exhibits at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art? Comment below to let me know!
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-XOXO (as always)
Mel D.
Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake
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