The Portal: An Art Experience by Jewel

• The Portal is an immersive art experience created by Grammy-nominated artist Jewel. This experience includes a life-sized hologram, an art walk, a never-before-seen painting and sculpture by Jewel, followed by a 200-piece drone show. It is intended to be a slow, meditative experience centered around the three spheres.

When is The Portal open?

• The Portal is open in the evening 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 The Portal is often open after the museum is closed.

What time does the drone show begin?

• The drone show portion of the experience begins approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes after your ticketed time. For the months of June and July, the 7:45 p.m. ticket drone show will begin at approximately 9 p.m. The 9:15 p.m. ticket drone show will begin at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Can I take photos?

• Yes, taking photos and videos is encouraged. However, flash photography is prohibited—the flashes will interfere with the light experience and artwork.

What should I wear?

• This experience is located both inside the museum and outside on Walker Landing, so we recommend checking the weather for your ticket date and dressing accordingly.

There are storms in the forecast—will The Portal close?

• The drone show portion of the experience won’t operate in certain weather conditions. If the drone portion of the experience is canceled, please contact Guest Services so that you can attend a different day at no additional cost.
• Please call the Inclement Weather line to check on any cancellations: (479) 657-2488.

Are pets allowed?

• Pets are not allowed as this experience is considered inside the museum. Service animals are an exception.

Is there an age restriction?

• 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 any concerns for guests with sensory sensitivities?

• The drone show includes 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.

Where should I park?

• Parking is free for all guests by the museum, so there’s no need to reserve passes or register your car. Just cruise on in and park in any available space. Additional parking can also be found in our new Campus Parking Garage. Note: that there is limited clearance in the garage of 8 feet, 4 inches.

• Tickets can be purchased on-site, but your preferred times may be full. We recommend purchasing your ticket in advance to ensure you can enjoy the experience at your desired time. Walk-up tickets are available if capacity allows. Adult member tickets are limited to 2 tickets per member purchase.

There is a time on my ticket. What does it mean?

• The time on your ticket is when the galleries will open for the art walk portion of the experience. This is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes before the drone show is scheduled to begin.

Are my tickets refundable?

• All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. If the experience is canceled due to weather, we will credit your account so that you can attend a different day.

Where can I buy a ticket?

• Purchase tickets online, through the Guest Experience call center at (479) 657-2335, or Guest Experience desk when you arrive at the museum.

How many times can I visit the experience with the same ticket? Can I leave and come back?

• Your ticket is valid for one visit to the experience only. Re-entry is not allowed.

Can the exhibition coupons given out at festivals and to school tour groups be used for free entry to The Portal?

• No, the exhibitions coupons given do not apply to The Portal: An Art Experience by Jewel.

• Yes, restrooms are located inside the museum and are wheelchair accessible.

Will there be food once we’re inside?

• Yes. There will be light snacks and drinks available for purchase. If you purchased a culinary package along with your tickets, it can be picked up on Walker Landing.

Can we bring snacks or drinks into The Portal?

• No outside food, drinks, or coolers will be allowed inside.

My kids and I love souvenirs—will there be merchandise for sale?

• Yes! Stop by the museum store to pick up a unique gift.

Why can’t I visit the experience during the day?

• The Portal is designed as an immersive, nighttime experience. The drone show uses light and illumination, which cannot be seen during the day.

• Yes. This experience is located inside the museum and on Walker Landing. There are elevators that take you from the entrance to the museum lobby and throughout the museum. There are also wheelchair-accessible restrooms available inside the museum.