FAQ
Q. When will the museum be open?
A. Crystal Bridges is an innovative, one-of-a-kind project. An undertaking of this significance and complexity takes time and must be done well. We continue to evaluate the project’s design and construction plans as well as the timeline needed to complete those plans. We are encouraged with our progress to date and expect to have a much clearer picture of a projected opening in the coming months.
Q. How did the museum get its name?
A. Crystal Bridges takes its name from a natural spring called Crystal Spring located on the museum’s wooded site as well as the unique glass-and-wood building design created by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. The 100-acre site of the museum complex is located within walking distance of the Bentonville town square.
Q. What is in the collection?
A. The growing collection is composed of American paintings and sculptures from the Colonial period through the modern era. The museum continues to announce major works, many of which are currently on loan to other institutions.
Q. Where can I see some of the collection?
A. Collaborating with other institutions is an important focus of Crystal Bridges, even before the museum opens. Several institutions around the country have been or currently are displaying works loaned from the Crystal Bridges collection. Through these partnerships, we are able to make important works of art more accessible to the public throughout the country. Please refer to the Collections page for detailed locations.
As announcements are made, additional collection works appear on this site.
Q. What else can I see at Crystal Bridges besides the art?
A. Crystal Bridges will be a vibrant, engaging place that offers a variety of activities for visitors. When completed, the museum complex will encompass galleries, library, meeting, and office space, a 250-seat indoor auditorium, areas for outdoor concerts and public events, as well as sculpture and walking trails. In addition to the collection, additional gallery space will be dedicated to excellent temporary exhibitions from across the globe. Sculpture will also figure prominently in the collection, on view in interior galleries and outdoor gardens.
Q. How is Crystal Bridges tied to Wal-Mart?
A. It isn’t. Crystal Bridges is a non-profit organization focused solely on creating a world class museum and cultural center for the benefit of the public. Because of founder and chair Alice Walton’s extraordinary vision for Crystal Bridges and the museum’s emphasis on education and culture, the Walton Family Foundation has provided significant funding to help make the dream of Crystal Bridges a reality. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., is in no way connected to the development, construction or planning of the museum or the development and ownership of the permanent collection.
Q. What is Crystal Bridges at the Massey?
A. Our temporary off-site location features exhibit spaces and a large meeting room.
One exhibit space presents updated information about the construction of Crystal Bridges. With models, renderings and photographs, visitors are able to follow the progress of this major and complicated building project.
A second exhibit space incorporates a gallery of approximately 900 square feet that features aspects of anticipated educational programs and the permanent collection of Crystal Bridges. An interactive space at the front of the gallery provides a place for visitors of all ages to read, play and create.
Q. What are the educational outreach plans for the museum?
A. One of the museum’s primary goals is to encourage art and art history education for students of all ages by:
Providing excellent and accessible learning programs and resources;
Developing programs for families;
Establishing school partnership programs; and
Providing specific facilities and educational personnel for school tour groups, art demonstrations and art-making activities.
Much of our educational programming is still in the early stages, but educational facilities in the museum will include:
A family learning area with family-oriented activities;
A significant library of American art and other notable resources accessible to museum professionals, art scholars, university-level students, and volunteers; and
A volunteer docent program to support its education offerings.
Careers FAQ
Q. How can I apply for a job at the museum?
A. Applications can be submitted via the Careers link.
Q. Currently there are no positions for which I qualify, I want to just submit my résumé and be considered when a position that matches my skill set becomes available.
A. Crystal Bridges does not accept unsolicited résumés or applications. What this means is that we will ONLY accept résumés for positions which are currently open. If you meet the minimum qualifications for a posted position, please submit your application by clicking “Apply” under the appropriate position.
Q. There was an XYZ position posted on the web and now it is no longer there…what does that mean?
A. When a position is removed from the web it can mean a couple of things: It can mean that the hiring manager has begun the résumé assessment process. Upon completion of the process candidates will receive a communication of whether or not they are being considered for the position. You should understand that the Crystal Bridges recruitment and hiring process is both comprehensive and lengthy, but you can be assured that your résumé will be given consideration and you will receive communication about your status as an applicant.
There are also times when a position will be removed from the web, because it has been determined that Crystal Bridges needs to postpone the recruitment activities for the position until a future timeframe, or that the position needs to be significantly modified. Again, candidates will receive a communication regarding their status as an applicant.
Q. I previously applied for XYZ position and received a notification that I was not being considered for the position. Now the position is open again. Should I reapply?
A. You are welcome to apply again. Your résumé will be assessed not only against the requirements of the position but also in comparison to others who apply for the position. Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to identifying the candidate who is both qualified and the best fit for the position.
