A world-class collection of American art, stunning architecture, and 120 acres of Ozark forest with five miles of trails. Admission to the museum is always free.
Planning a visit to Crystal Bridges? Use this page to learn about hours, parking, and what to expect while you’re here.
We have something for all types of learners. From educator resources to family activities to scholars, find what speaks to you and engage with us.
There’s more to the museum than just the galleries— come enjoy hands-on creative fun with art classes for all ages and experience levels..
Find opportunities to give and keep art accessible to all, become a member, or join our team.
Crystal Bridges members receive year-round perks, invitations to member-only events, travel opportunities, and more!
Museum & Buildings
Trails and Grounds open daily sunrise to sunset.
We will be closed Monday, May 13, to prepare for the visit of Antiques Roadshow. We will return to normal hours of operation Wednesday, May 15.
Please join Landscape and Outdoor Experience Manager Samantha Best in a discussion about some of the fascinating creatures in the Northwest Arkansas region. In connection with our new exhibition, Exquisite Creatures, this discussion will give you the chance to learn more about how the exhibition connects to the insects, plants, and animals of Arkansas. This discussion is free with the purchase of an exhibition ticket.
Free with purchase of exhibition ticket.
Exhibition tickets are $12 for adults (free for members, SNAP participants, veterans, and youth 18 and under). Reserve exhibition tickets online, with Guest Services in-person, or at (479) 657-2335.
Samantha Best has had a varied career as a television editor, landscape designer, and, currently, Landscape and Outdoor Experience Manager at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
As a landscape designer, Samantha started a landscape architecture and construction company with her husband and ran it for 18 years. Within this role, Samantha honed her ability to understand how people use outdoor space, worked to educate her clients about environmental stewardship and sustainable landscape practices, and brought unique design solutions to the landscapes of hundreds of clients. As a builder, Samantha was steeped in the practicalities and details of landscape construction.
In the summer of 2020, a family road trip led to Samantha’s discovery of Northwest Arkansas and the Buffalo River. This journey changed the trajectory of her career, ultimately leading to her current role at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Here, Samantha combines her knowledge of designing with nature and her love for storytelling to activate the museum’s outdoor spaces in ways that educate guests and inspire them to take an active role as environmental stewards in their daily lives.
In addition to her role at Crystal Bridges, Samantha is a board member of Friends of Hobbs; a city planning commissioner for Rogers, AR; an Arkansas Master Naturalist; and a member of the Arkansas Environmental Education Association.
