Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary today announced that both venues will reopen to the public on June 10 with new safety measures and free timed tickets to ensure limited attendance per state guidelines. The temporary exhibitions, Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal… has been extended (and is now free) through July 13 at Crystal Bridges while State of the Art 2020 will be extended with the full exhibition on view at both locations through July 12.
Photos of Crystal Bridges are available HERE, the Momentary photos are HERE, State of the Art 2020 HERE, and Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal photos are HERE.
“Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of staff, volunteers, and visitors,” said Rod Bigelow, executive director and chief diversity & inclusion officer of Crystal Bridges. “Our team has been carefully monitoring the changing landscape and we are grateful for our local partners, health officials, and peer institutions who have provided guidance. We worked with the State of Arkansas Department of Health on a plan for a measured reopening that prioritizes safety, and that plan is now approved by the state.”
“We believe in the power of art, especially during difficult times,” said Bigelow. “We feel it’s important to provide access to our collection and exhibitions as a tool for activism, reflection, and inspiration.”
Learn more about the institutional perspective on how art can activate change HERE.
“The Momentary closed after only being open a few weeks before the pandemic hit,” said Lieven Bertels, director of the Momentary. “This time has allowed us to prepare for how we will showcase art and welcome our community in this new world, in a safe and responsible way. We think it’s even more important to lift up artist voices to help us process and overcome the variety of challenges we’re all facing.”
Timed Tickets
Crystal Bridges and the Momentary will be limiting the number of visitors to a maximum of 30 guests per 15 minutes at Crystal Bridges, and 15 guests every 15 minutes at the Momentary. These numbers are based on five people per 1,000 square feet of public space which adheres to a one-third capacity guideline for the state’s indoor venues. Visitors must register for a timeslot HERE for Crystal Bridges and HERE for the Momentary. Visitors will receive an email prior to their visit about what to expect and how to prepare. A summary of changes and enhanced safety procedures are outlined below:
Enhanced Safety
Arkansas Department of Health directives regarding large indoor venues can be found HERE.
On-Site Changes
Members of Crystal Bridges and the Momentary will have the opportunity for a limited capacity, timed-ticket experience from June 6 – 8. These preview days will give members a chance to reconnect with art, architecture, and nature and provide staff the ability to monitor visitor flow and adjust plans, if needed, prior to the reopening. Capacity will be limited to 15 members per 15 minutes at Crystal Bridges, and 8 members every 15 minutes at the Momentary.
“We hope visitors feel assured that we are taking every precaution to establish a safe and enjoyable experience at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary, and we remain vigilant and flexible to changing situations,” said Bigelow.
Those who are unable to visit in person can continue to enjoy Crystal Bridges and the Momentary with online programs, virtual reality, #CBfromHome activities, a 360 tour, the full collection available through eMuseum HERE, and weekly eNewsletter updates.
For updates on Crystal Bridges, visit here and follow on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
For updates on the Momentary, visit here and follow on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.