Crystal Bridges - Museum of American Art

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is envisioned as a premier national art institution dedicated to American art and artists, learning and community gatherings.

The museum takes its name from the unique glass-and-wood building design, created for the natural setting by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. The entire complex will encompass approximately 100,000 square feet of gallery, library, meeting, and office space, a Great Hall, areas for outdoor concerts and public events, as well as sculpture and walking trails.

In addition to expanding access to art, cultural and learning resources, Crystal Bridges will also spur the continued economic development of Northwest Arkansas.

Museum of American Art
Crystal Bridges will house a permanent collection of masterworks from American artists along with galleries dedicated to Native American and regional art and artists, which will be on view in 35,000 square feet of gallery space.

The growing permanent collection is composed of paintings and sculptures by American artists from the Colonial Period through the modern era. Visitors will be able to enjoy the collection within the state-of-the-art galleries and throughout the surrounding park. To see announced works of the permanent collection, please go to the collection page on our website.

In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions drawn from national institutions will complement the holdings of the permanent collection and exemplify the diversity of American artists. The 100-acre site of the museum complex is located in Bentonville, Ark., within walking distance of the town square.

A Place of Community

Crystal Bridges is designed to build connections, both literally and figuratively, with the communities of Northwest Arkansas. Linking Bentonville’s neighborhoods with walking trails that encourage regular visits to the museum and its sculpture gardens, Crystal Bridges will encourage community uses and activities as one of its highest priorities.

A Great Hall and other spaces will be ideal venues for community receptions and dinners and private functions ranging from business conferences to weddings.

The museum building is expected to contain 100,000 square feet when completed, and employ approximately 75 full-time staff. Traditional museum resources, including a museum store, dining facilities, parking and group tours are planned as well.