May 28, 2024 BENTONVILLE, Ark. — At Crystal Bridges and the Momentary, our hearts go out to our staff, neighbors, and the entire Northwest Arkansas community in this difficult time following the weekend’s severe weather events. For many across the community – which includes Crystal Bridges and the Momentary staff members, volunteers, and their friends and families – the recovery process will continue for some time. Crystal Bridges and the Momentary have received an outpouring of care and concern from the public expressing support during this challenging time, a testament to the strength of the community. Specific updates regarding impacts to the Trails & Grounds, exterior artworks, exhibitions, and scheduled programs and events across both spaces will be shared as more details become available in the coming days. Current operational updates are as follows: Crystal Bridges aims to offer a respite to those who seek comfort, safety, and community bonding. As such, the museum will operate regular business hours with free general admission, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, May 29, at 10 a.m. Crystal Bridges’ summer hours are Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Most galleries and exhibitions will be open. Admission to Exquisite Creatures will be free for the Northwest Arkansas community through Monday, June 3. Expanded, free, drop-in artmaking activities for people of all ages will be available, a hopeful resource for families impacted by early school year closures in Bentonville and Rogers. While the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art building and interior spaces remain structurally sound, the trails and grounds sustained significant damage and are closed at this time. The public is asked to stay clear of these outdoor areas so cleanup can continue. The Momentary remains closed at this time as recovery and cleanup continue. Several events at the Momentary originally planned for this week will be rescheduled or canceled: MoPros | In Conversation with Danielle Hatch, which was scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, in the Tower Bar at the Momentary has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 31. The Tower Bar Sessions with DJ Oplex, which was scheduled for Thursday, May 30, is canceled. More updates about this weekend’s programming at the Momentary will be available soon. Crystal Bridges and the Momentary thank the community’s first responders, government leaders, neighbors, and everyone who has come together to support our Northwest Arkansas community during this challenging time. For more resources and volunteer opportunities in Benton County, click here to download Benton County’s NWA Tornado Relief Efforts Community Resources Spreadsheet. ### About Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 12.2 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a non-profit charitable organization by arts patron and philanthropist, Alice Walton. The collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions. The museum is nestled on 120 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities. Some 418,375 school children have participated in the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools. Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails. In February 2020, the museum opened the Momentary in Downtown Bentonville (507 SE E Street), conceived as a platform for the art, food, and music of our time. In 2026, Crystal Bridges will complete a nearly 100,000 square foot expansion that will allow the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. About the Momentary Opened in February of 2020 in Downtown Bentonville, the Momentary is a platform for the music, art, and food of our time. It is a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality, and a welcoming hub that gathers and celebrates local heroes and international stars. The Momentary was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of Tom, Olivia, and Steuart Walton. Its commitment to cultivating arts and cultural experiences provides more opportunities for education, engagement, and enjoyment in our region. The Momentary is an extension of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Alice Walton. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Additional offerings include live music, visual and performing arts, an artist-in-residence program, culinary experiences such as Onyx Coffee Lab and the sky-high Tower Bar, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor festival space, and a retail shop. For more information, visit theMomentary.org. The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. The Momentary’s Founding Funders are Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, RØDE Microphones, The Coca-Cola Company, Tyson Family Foundation, and Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. Media Contact: media@crystalbridges.org.
