What You Need to Know About the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art
Eureka Springs is known for its unique artistic culture and offers many attractions in the way of art. However, it’s also close to art meccas that are outside of the city limits. The Crystal Bridges Museum of Art in Bentonville is one such destination that should be at the top of your list of places to visit.
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Crystal Bridges is just about an hour outside of Eureka Springs. The mission of Crystal Bridges is “to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature,” and this intent to cultivate harmony with nature is evident from its exhibitions to the very structure of the museum.
Crystal Bridges sits on 120 acres of lush Ozark forest filled with natural springs, streams, and a variety of native flora and fauna. There are 3.5 miles of hiking trails that meander through the grounds, designed to spark the imagination and foster a sense of connection to the land and its history.
As you stroll along the paths, you’ll encounter sculptures from several different artists. Two ponds surround the beautiful building that is a work of art in itself, designed by Moshe Safdie. Even the lines and angles of the building were designed to echo shapes of nature.
Exhibitions at the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art
Beyond the art that embraces nature, The Crystal Bridges Museum of Art features exhibitions of American art that range from masterworks of famous artists to more obscure works.
The collection at Crystal Bridges features art from the colonial era to today. As with many major museums of art, there are both rotating permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions here. You’ll find work from such luminaries as Audubon, Sargent, Rothko, Pollock, O’Keeffe, Rockwell, Hopper—the list stretches on and on.
If you’d like to get an idea of everything you can see here, Crystal Bridges lists its current extensive collection as well as upcoming exhibitions online via its eMuseum.
Other Things to Do at the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art
In addition to museum exhibits, you can dine at the restaurant that overlooks the ponds, visit the library whose collection spans over 50,000 volumes, peruse the museum store, marvel at the sculpture garden, or walk the nature trails that meander through the museum’s 120 acres. The Bachman-Wilson House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is also on site.
ADMISSION AND HOURS
General admission to Crystal Bridges is completely free! For information like hours of operation, accessibility, time-dependent exhibitions, and more, visit their website.
Stay in a Beautiful Cottage
You could spend your vacation relaxing in an intimate cottage nestled in the woods with a view of Beaver Lake. Wake up in the morning and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature as you sit on your deck, with birds singing and wind streaming through the leaves. Unwind in the evening with a soak in a luxurious whirlpool tub, and drift off to sleep in a soft, king-size Sleep Number bed.
Be sure to take a look at all of our beautiful accommodations and book your stay with us today!
