North Forest Lights, an exciting, new experience in the North Forest unlike anything Crystal Bridges has ever presented before, is now open! Be prepared to leave all expectations at the door and join us in a world of wonder, connecting to nature through light and sound engagements.

To plan your trip, here are some things to know about what you can expect at the North Forest Lights experience:

A brand new, artistic light and sound experience

A map of North Forest Lights, created by Moment Factory.

In partnership with Montreal-based multimedia and entertainment studio Moment Factory, Crystal Bridges is presenting a completely unique light and sound experience unlike anything that the museum has ever presented before. Moment Factory created and produced North Forest Lights exclusively for Crystal Bridges using the environment of the museum’s surrounding forest to come up with the five installations. See more of Moment Factory’s work here.

Crystal Bridges is the only place in the world where you will be able to experience North Forest Lights. It will not be seen anywhere else, which makes it even more exciting and unique to the area.

North Forest Lights will be open in the evening hours after sunset, and times will vary depending on the twilight hour each day. When you purchase your ticket, you will note the hour window in which you’d like to attend. Departure times are broken out by hour to regulate the flow of traffic in the experience.

This is not specifically a holiday light show, but rather, a show that uses light and music to create unique experiences that help us reconnect with nature. However, it’s a great way to spend the holiday with families and friends of all ages. 

North Forest Lights will take place in….wait for it….the North Forest.

North Forest Lights at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas. Courtesy of Moment Factory.

Of course! Where else would North Forest Lights be?

We’re asking that all guests attending North Forest Lights park at the additional parking lot at the top of the hill (across the street from the Amazeum). From there, guests can cross the street and follow the trail into the North Forest. Look for a large kiosk at the opening of the trail. This kiosk will be the command center where tickets will be scanned and accessibility needs can be handled (scroll below). This post will also serve as the lost and found destination for items or members of your party should you get separated.

As you make your way down the path, you’ll pass a satellite hut with snacks and merchandise available for purchase before you reach the entrance. Once you hit the Deer sculpture by Tony Tasset, turn right, and you’ve made it to North Forest Lights!

A few other tips:

• This is a nighttime, outdoor event, so please check the weather before you go and dress accordingly.
• Dogs on a leash are allowed in North Forest Lights.
• No outside food and drinks will be allowed inside, but guests are welcome to enjoy the seasonal snacks and drinks available at The Village (keep scrolling to learn more!). 

Grab a warm drink and snack at The Village

In addition to the five, unique installations that make up North Forest Lights, there is a special area called The Village (located in the food truck area) where guests will have the opportunity to purchase warm drinks (hot cocoa, coffee, wine, beer, etc.), snacks (hot dogs, beignets, popcorn balls, brownies, etc.), and branded merchandise. There will also be a large bonfire in this area with Adirondack chairs, creating the feeling of a winter lodge in the forest.

The Whispering Tree, one of the five installations of North Forest Lights, can also be found directly behind the food and shop stands, so guests will also have the opportunity to line up for this experience while hanging out in the Village area.

Enhance your experience with a culinary basket

You may also be interested in purchasing a culinary basket to enhance your North Forest Lights experience! 

No matter if you’re coming to North Forest Lights with your family, friends, or a special date, culinary basket options are available to make your night truly unforgettable. Treat your date to a romantic Heart of the Forest package with a bottle of wine, chocolates, strawberries, and more, or enjoy the Nature’s Secret package, which includes a bottle of sparkling cider, s’mores, and more, perfect to share with your friends or the kids.

Baskets will be available for purchase online when you buy your ticket. Baskets must be ordered 24 hours in advance of your ticket time.

Snap a North Forest Lights photo in the forest

North Forest Lights at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas. Courtesy of Moment Factory.

Located between the Hearth and the Memory of Water installations (see map above for reference), guests can also snap a North Forest Lights photo in the designated photo station. The area will be decorated with lights to make the area a perfect place for selfies or holiday photos. 

Be prepared for lots of walking. Accessibility assistance will be available.

North Forest Lights at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas. Courtesy of Moment Factory.

There will be about 1 mile of walking in total, including the walk to and from the additional parking lot. We understand that this might be a lot for some family members, so we will have assistance available. Wheelchairs will be available for guests to check out at the North Forest Lights entrance, and a mobility shuttle will be offered to transport folks with accessibility needs by request from the parking lot to the entrance of North Forest Lights where they can meet back up with their party. 

The trails created for this experience are wheelchair and stroller-accessible. Depending on the age and abilities of your group, you may also choose to bring strollers or wagons.

North Forest Lights is now open through February 16, 2020.