Art at Crystal Bridges

Our art collection offers a superb overview of American art. The galleries include American masterworks and surprising lesser-known gems from the colonial era to today. Sculptures grace both interior galleries and outdoor trails. The museum’s permanent collection galleries are refreshed regularly.

New acquisitions and works from the museum’s vaults are displayed on a rotating basis. Familiar guest favorites and a changing array of special focus groupings and temporary installations of light-sensitive works provide opportunities for new visitor discoveries on every visit.

Anyone unable to visit and those looking to enhance their on-site experience

Browse the collection database

Anyone unable to visit or looking to enhance their on-site experience can use our digital guide featuring collection highlights, audio tours, plant guides, maps, and more.

Download digital guide

English

Complete Large-Print English Collection Conversations Tour Transcript

Special Exhibitions

A year-round schedule of temporary exhibitions enhances the guest experience by providing opportunities to enjoy traveling exhibitions from other institutions, or special presentations of artworks from our own and other museum collections.

Current Exhibitions  Upcoming Exhibitions  Past Exhibitions

I have a question about a work in the museum’s collection and would like to speak to a curator.
Please email your question to Art@CrystalBridges.org. This is the best way to contact a curator. All correspondence received at this address will be routed to the appropriate member of the curatorial staff.

I am interested in researching an artist/artwork in the collection.
The Crystal Bridges Library offers an extensive collection of art reference materials and is open during all museum public hours. Search the Library catalog. If you are unable to visit and you have questions about our Library, please email your question to Library@CrystalBridges.org

I have art that I would like to sell/loan/donate.
We do occasionally consider works from unconventional sources if they fit within our outlined acquisition goals. If you have artwork that you are interested in selling/loaning/donating, please send images and detailed information about the work to Art@CrystalBridges.org. Offers of this nature are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Due to the large number of offers we receive, we cannot guarantee a response to your inquiry unless there is a serious interest in pursuing the work for acquisition. We ask that you do not bring or send any original artwork to the museum as we cannot be held responsible for its safe keeping or its return.

What does Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art collect?
Crystal Bridges collects painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, and installation art. At this point, we are not focusing on decorative arts, natural history specimens, historical artifacts, or artworks that were created outside of the United States by artists who were not born in, reside in, or otherwise have strong connections to the United States.

I want my work included in the Crystal Bridges collection. What is Crystal Bridges’ submission process?
We appreciate your interest in submitting your work. However, at this time we are unable to review any unsolicited offers of artists’ work for the collection or exhibitions.

Can I bring/mail my original artwork to the museum for someone to look at?
We ask that you do not bring or send any original artwork to the museum as we cannot be held responsible for its safe keeping or its return.

I own artwork that I think might be valuable. Can Crystal Bridges assess its value or determine its authenticity?
Unfortunately, museum policy does not permit us to comment on the authenticity or value of works of art. However, we can supply you with the following list of suggested appraisers, both regional and national.

Download appraisal referrals