Listening Forest by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer

Crystal Bridges’ North Forest comes to life once again with a brand-new outdoor, nighttime experience. It’s time to listen in.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday Nights:

Adults: $22 | Adult members: $15
Youth 7-18: $10 | Youth members 7-18: $7
Kids 6 and under: FREE

Friday, and Saturday Nights:

Adults: $27 | Adult members: $20
Youth 7-18: $15 | Youth members 7-18: $12
Kids 6 and under: FREE

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays; Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas

MEMBERS: Log in to see discount options.
Not a member? Join today!

*Advanced tickets are encouraged.
Walk-up tickets are available as capacity allows and are an additional $5 for each ticket category.

What to Expect

Listening Forest, created by artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, uses light, sound, and projections to create an interactive walk through the woods. This site-specific exhibition brings together eight immersive installations, each one activated by you: your heart rate, your body, your voice, and your movements direct the forest’s response. This project brings together art and technology in a natural setting to create poetic, shared experiences and features a soundtrack composed by electronic musician Scanner (Robin Rimbaud).

Add your heartbeat to an array of 3,000 lightbulbs each glimmering to the pulse of a different participant from the past. Control giant, 20-foot-tall stick figures made of light. Leave a voice recording that will join a chorus of echoes left by previous forest visitors, and much more.

The forest is listening–how will you respond?

Some artworks in this exhibition contain light effects. Viewing discretion is advised for visitors with sensitivity to visual light stimulation. Hosts at each installation can provide more information.

Scanner composed each of the exhibition’s tracks in direct collaboration with Rafael Lozano-Hemmer to create an experience that is atmospheric, dynamic, and expertly tailored to enhance the Listening Forest experience. Download the soundtrack.

We would like to thank the following community members for their important contributions to Arkansas Text Stream and Voice Forest:

Arkansas Soul Writers

Courtesy of Ozark Highlands Radio and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism
Speakers: Alaina Balke, Dylan Hawf, Bobby Glendy, Bonnie Montgomery, Caleb Ryan Martin, Charley Sandage, Cindy Woolf, Dane Joneshill, Jay Unger, Molly Mason, Dave Smith, JC Bonds, Jimbo Mathis, Joe David Rice, Joe Purdy, Marty Stuart, Mary Gillihan, Pam Setser, Patsy Montana, Richard Mason, Tom Simmons, Willi Carlisle

Noelia Cerna, Ozark Poets & Writers Collective

The David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History and Arkansas Story Vault
Speakers: Gerald Alley, E. Lynn Harris, Dorothy Gilliam, Edith Irby Jones, Randall Ferguson Sr., Ida Adcox, Janis Kearney, Dr. Sheldon Riklon, Melisa Laelan, George Takei, Al Witte, Margaret Moore Whillock, Beatrice Shelby, Juanita McClellan, Christopher Mercer, John Ware, Peggy Parks, Gordon Morgan, Donna Axum Whitworth, Jim Blair, Milton Crenchaw, Margaret Clark, George Haley, Dale Bumpers, JB Hunt, Betty Bumpers, Jocelyn Elders, Mike Beebe, Jerry Jones, Bob Lamb

Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation and Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance
Speakers: Pearlyn, Shreya Ramani, Medhansh Sankaran, Aparna Asok, Srividya, Nandhini, Clemens, Paru Muni, Vinitha, Allan Paulose, Sudhir Katke, Chithra Sandeep

Sean Teutan

Visionairi Enterprises

Lozano-Hemmer is an award-winning media artist originally from Mexico City. He creates platforms for public participation using technologies such as robotic lights, digital fountains, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and telematic networks. His work has been commissioned by events such as the Vancouver Olympics, collected by museums including MoMA, Hirshhorn, Tate, and SFMOMA, and exhibited in art biennials in Venice, Sydney, New Orleans, Shanghai, and Singapore, among others. Listening Forest will be the most significant display of his outdoor installations to date, providing a mid-career survey of his largest works.

Scanner traverses the experimental terrain between sound and space, connecting a bewilderingly diverse array of genres. Since 1991 he has been intensely active in sonic art, producing concerts, installations, and recordings. His albums Mass Observation (1994), Delivery (1997), and An Ascent (2020) have been hailed by critics as innovative and inspirational works of contemporary electronic music. To learn more about Scanner’s practice, visit his website.

General Information

• Is this a Christmas / holiday light show?
  No, this is not a holiday light show, but rather a group of installations using light and music to create unique experiences that help us connect with nature. It’s a great way to spend the holiday with families and friends.
• What are your opening hours?
  Listening Forest is open in the evening hours after sunset. Hours will vary based on when twilight occurs. Scroll up to click on the day you’d like to attend, then check the available time blocks for that day. Please note that Listening Forest is often open after the museum is closed.
• How long does it last?
  Plan on at least 1-2 hours to see and enjoy the experiences, although you may spend more or less time depending on your preferences.
• Can I take photos?
  Yes, taking photos and videos is encouraged, however, flash photography is prohibited. Flashes will interfere with light experiences.
• How much time can I spend visiting?
  You may stay until Listening Forest closes.
• How should I dress?
  Comfortable attire and dress for the seasonal weather temperature. Check the weather forecast in advance of your experience date and time. Comfortable walking shoes are encouraged.
• How can I check on cancellations due to inclement weather?
  Please call the Inclement Weather line to check on any cancellations: (479) 657-2488.
• Who can visit the experience? Is it suggested for children and seniors?
  The experience is designed for all ages. If you have accessibility needs in your party, please see the Accessibility section of this FAQ for more information.
• Are there restrooms?
  Yes, restrooms will be located in the Village area. The restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
• Will merchandise be available for purchase?
  Yes. Branded merchandise for Listening Forest will be available for purchase in the Village area.
• Why is it not possible to visit the experience during the day?
  Listening Forest is a nighttime lighting experience. All the installations use illuminated light effects, which cannot be seen during the day.
• Will the North Forest Trail be open during the day for guests to walk on?
  Yes, the North Forest Trail will be open for guests during the day, and will close each day at 4 PM.
• Are pets allowed if they are on a leash?
  Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed. Dog owners are asked to clean up after their dogs and keep them under control at all times.
• Are there any concerns for guests with sensory sensitivity? 
  The eight installations include lights that turn on and off and change rapidly, which might be triggering for guests who have sensitivities to flashing lights or neurodiverse guests prone to sensory overstimulation.

Tickets

• Why should I purchase my ticket ahead of time?
  Tickets can be purchased on-site, but your preferred times may be full. It is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance for you to participate at your desired time. Walk-up tickets are available if capacity allows and an additional $5 per ticket. Adult member tickets are limited to 2 tickets per member purchase.
• There is a time on my ticket. What does it mean?
  You may arrive at the Listening Forest entrance any time during the 15-minute time slot on your ticket. You may stay until the experience closes.
• Are my tickets refundable?
  All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. The experience will be held rain or shine if the weather poses no threat to public safety. If the experience is canceled due to unsafe weather, then tickets will be refunded.
• Where can I buy a ticket?
  Purchase tickets online, through the call center at (479) 657-2335, or at the outdoor Guest Services station when you arrive at Listening Forest.
• Can I visit the experience many times with the same ticket?
  Your ticket is valid for one visit to the experience only.
• Do you have group rates?
  Specially priced $18 group tour tickets are available for advance ticket purchases for groups of 10 or more adults. Call to reserve your tickets now at (479) 657-2335.
• Can the exhibition coupons given to school tour groups be used to get free entry for this experience?
  No, coupons given to school tour groups do not apply to Listening Forest.

Food

• Can we eat there?
  Yes! The Village food court area will offer snacks and warm beverages. A satellite drink and snack location is also available in the North Forest as you make your way to the entrance of the experience.
• Can we bring snacks or drinks into Listening Forest?
  No outside food and drinks will be allowed inside. Please enjoy the seasonal snacks and drinks available at the Village inside Listening Forest.

Accessibility

• Is it accessible to all?
  Yes. The trails created for this experience are wheelchair and stroller-accessible. Wheelchairs will be available for guests to check out at the Listening Forest entrance, and a mobility shuttle will be offered to transport folks with accessibility needs by request between the ticketing area and the entrance of Listening Forest. Ask Guest Services staff about requesting this shuttle at either of these locations.
• Is there a lot of walking involved?
  The full experience is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of walking. The forest is a natural setting with changing elevations, so please watch your step. Some benches and seating are provided along the trails.
• Are strollers and wagons allowed for children?
  Yes, we encourage you to plan for about 1.5 miles of walking. Depending on the age and abilities of your group, you may choose to bring strollers or wagons.