Lisa’s Point of View enjoys visiting art galleries and museums wherever I travel. When I travel home to NW Arkansas, I always try to make time to visit the incredible Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Nestled in the beautiful quaint town of Bentonville, Arkansas, it is an art lover’s paradise. The architecture of the museum is what first captures your attention when you arrive. It is a museum to be enjoyed both inside and outside along the trails that surround the massive facility.

From their website: “Crystal Bridges takes its name from a nearby natural spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie.” There are a series of building around 2 spring fed ponds. There are galleries, classrooms, a stunning glass enclosed restaurant for spectacular views, and an amazing meeting venue overlooking the water, and more. Outdoors there are walking trails that link to downtown Bentonville.

The construction and setting for the buildings of the museum built into a ravine really incorporates the buildings into nature as if they are one. Visiting the museum in the various seasons throughout the year gives a different feel and vibe and views of the landscape. Getting to visit the museum in the winter when the trees are bare gave an incredible view of the surrounding landscape and the vastness of this beautiful museum.

Crystal Bridges was founded by Philanthropist Alice Walton in 2005 and opened to the public on November 11, 2011. More information on their art collection from the website: “Art Collection: Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection spans five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial era to the current day. Included within the collection are iconic images such as Asher B. Durand’s Kindred Spirits, Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter, and Andy Warhol’s Coca-Cola [3]— each reflecting a distinct moment in American artistic evolution—as well as major works by modern and contemporary American artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe, John Baldessari, and James Turrell. The permanent collection, which continues to grow through a strategic acquisition plan, is on view year-round and is enhanced by an array of temporary exhibitions.”

When you first step off the elevator into the courtyard is this enormous spider sculpture. It is as though it is a guardian and protector over the facility. Maman is made of bronze, stainless steel & marble by Louise Bourgeois. From the description: “Like an umbrella against a storm, Maman shelters this space, looming over us in a protective, yet mysterious way. “

When I visited in December 2019, my favorite exhibit was the Yayoi Kusama - Infinity Mirrored Room - My Heart is Dancing into the Universe. It was truly memorizing to be able to walk through this vibrant exhibit. You can click on the video in the second photo/video below to get and in person experience.

One of the temporary exhibits I enjoyed was the Crystals in Art – Ancient to Today. Having grown up in NW Arkansas it is known that high quality quartz crystals are mined throughout the region and the state. This exhibit explored the connection between quartz crystal and art throughout the world. From the description: “First mined by early speculating gem and mineral enthusiasts, or “rockhounds,” who trespassed across federal and private lands in the 1850’s in both Garland and Montgomery counties, commercial mining of quartz crystal began in 1904.”

Another exhibit which was fascinating and breathtaking was the Some/One by Do Ho Suh. It wasn’t until you walked up close to it that you realize it was made with military dog tags made with stainless steel military dog tags, nickel plated copper shets and steel. From the description: “Appearing as a cross between a robe and body armor, this looming sculpture is composed of thousands of military dog tags. Inspired in part by his two-year service in the South Korean military, Do Ho Suh recognizes that he thought a lot about his individual identity within the masses during his time as a soldier…..The mirrored interior of the robe allows guests to see themselves among the mass of tags. “

When you walk along one of the hallways overlooking the water is this stunning and exquisite glass dress. The reflection off the sky, glass and water is simply spectacular. Named Dress Impression with Wrinkled Cowl by Karen LaMonte . From the description: “The stance and shape…, suggest the swept-back forms of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, one of the key monuments of Greek art and Western civilization. Yet the sculpture also addresses contemporary aesthetic and feminist concerns, including the complex relationship between “fine art” and craft and shifting perspectives on beauty. “

As you wonder among the various levels of this museum there are incredible sculptures hanging from ceiling, along the walls, etc.

I always make a point to dine in their restaurant, Eleven – at Crystal Bridges. To be able to sit in front of the floor to ceiling windows and enjoy the views of the water, the architecture of the building along with landscape is so relaxing.

After you finish visiting the inside of the museum, I highly encourage taking the time to walk along the various exhibits and sculptures on the grounds of the museum. The sculptures are fascinating and vast in size. For more information on the outdoor sculptures: https://collection.crystalbridges.org/collections/2712/outdoor-art/objects I was excited to learn the museum is bringing back the outdoor exhibit, North Forest Lights, from September 4, 2020 - April 4, 2021. You can learn more about this ticketed exhibit online: https://crystalbridges.org/exhibitions/north-forest-lights/?fbclid=IwAR2pncLGcw7A4dIlpC88qpuYqy0KksJxEcqVaxz89Lnp8uMJTdUtz4XaVoM

Crystal Bridges is such an incredible asset to NW Arkansas. General admission to Crystal Bridges is always free, and is sponsored by Walmart. I encourage you to plan your day to spend as much time as possible both indoors and outdoors. Wear comfortable walking shoes so you can also get outside and explore the surrounding trails around the museum and in town.

There are 4 miles of trails that wind through the 120 acres of the museum grounds. It truly showcases the stunning natural beauty of the region and how it was incorporated into the museum setting. There are fantastic biking trails for the cycling enthusiast, too!

I hope you enjoyed my photo collection from my visit to Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art which is one of “Lisa’s Favorite Places”.

To learn more about all that the museum has to offer, check out their website: https://crystalbridges.org/