Crystal Bridges Expansion

Your museum is growing—join us on the journey.

Opening June 6, 2026

Two people in hard hats and vests at a construction site with scaffolding and crane visible. — Crystal Bridges founder Alice Walton (left) and architect Moshe Safdie (right) tour the museum's expanded facilities under construction.

As the United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will celebrate a milestone event of its own: the opening of our expanded galleries and facilities on June 6 & 7, 2026, increasing our building’s size by 50 percent.

We’re adding another 114,000 square feet of galleries, studios, dining options, event spaces, and more where everyone can enjoy and explore even more American art, admire the natural beauty of the Ozarks, and experience creativity and community.

Our goal is that our expanded and reinstalled galleries will offer a fresh pathway for exploring the rich and diverse range of American stories, its people, and its places—with free admission for all.

Expansion & Reinstallation Updates

Things are evolving.

As we prepare for our big June 2026 reveal, access to some galleries may be restricted.

Alongside the creation of new spaces, we’re also refreshing existing galleries to make way for a dynamic reinstallation of our renowned, fast-growing art collection.

Current Gallery Status
July 19 – September 21, 2025

Museum floor plan showing open, ticketed, transitional, and restricted exhibit areas with art highlights.

Our next temporary exhibition, Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture, opens in the South Temporary Exhibition Gallery on September 13.
- Be sure to get your tickets online or with Guest Experience today.
The first newly transformed gallery in our expansion is now open.
- Spanning from the 18th century to the mid-20th century, the Foundations of American Art Gallery offers an engaging and immersive journey through the early and modern chapters of our shared cultural story.
Some beloved Contemporary favorites have moved into what are now the Early American galleries.
- Other works are taking a rest, including Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, which will remain in storage until our expansion opens in 2026.
The Salon Hang gallery wall in the Early American gallery is now deinstalled.
- Don’t worry—many of these works have been reinstalled in the Foundations of American Art Gallery.
The Box Galleries are open with a “behind-the-scenes” art experience offering a rare look at art handling and preparation.
- These galleries are mini replicas of art vaults where guests can learn how Crystal Bridges’ preparators move art, where the art rests, what it takes to be an art handler, and more!

Want more information about what’s changing?

A look at the new spaces

About the Expansion

“Our job is to be storytellers. I really see it that simply; to have a collection that can tell the real stories of this country and its people.”
– Alice Walton, Founder

Crystal Bridges’ new spaces offer an expanded story of American art.

Extraordinary works from every era, representing all the nation’s communities, will relay tales of American lives, past and present, and invite you to add your own experiences to the national narrative.

Guests can participate in our transformation throughout 2025 as the newly installed galleries open to the public upon completion, culminating with the grand reveal in 2026.

People observing art displays in a gallery with textile pieces and sculptures on wooden floors.

Enjoy new adventures in artmaking and community building.

“I’m excited to continue our work to expand our physical space, expand our definition of art, and ensure that visitors feel a sense of belonging at both Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.”
– Olivia Walton, Board Chair

Modern dining area with large windows overlooking an outdoor courtyard with people socializing. — A rendering of the new cafe, Quartz & Honey.

A new Learning and Engagement Hub will double down on our commitment to making art a part of everyone’s life.

When it opens in 2026, the new wing will welcome you with studios for making your own art (including digital arts and ceramics studios); an event space where you can attend lectures, films, and performances; and a home-like lounge for gathering with family, friends, and community members.

Plus, the Learning and Engagement Hub will feature a new, light-filled café, Quartz & Honey (pictured), offering a menu of desserts, cocktails, and more.

Experience our ongoing commitment to excellence, openness, and accessibility.

“It has been a joy to see Crystal Bridges’ enthusiastic reception by the public. We are honored to be back and working with the museum to realize a series of new facilities which will enrich the diversity of the museum experience.”
– Moshe Safdie, Safdie Architects

The addition to Crystal Bridges has been designed by the world-acclaimed Moshe Safdie, Founding Partner of Safdie Architects, who is the architect of the original building. It merges seamlessly with the beloved, existing architecture as well as the natural Ozark landscape.

The museum expansion is part of a larger project to create an Art + Wellness Campus on the 134-acre Crystal Bridges site. The unparalleled campus will incorporate the Heartland Whole Health Institute and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, joined to the museum with miles of landscaped trails and art installations.

Throughout the expansion, Crystal Bridges remains open to the public. We hope you’ll visit regularly to witness and be a part of this transformation with us.