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Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Opens New, Free Campus Parking Structure

First phase of parking garage features geometric artwork by HYBYCOZO; cafe, bar, and retail space to come. 

HYBYCOZO, Congruence, 2023, powder coated stainless steel and LED lighting, large cluster: 21 ft. x 12 ft. x 12 ft.; spheres: 6 ft. x 6 ft. x 6 ft. Courtesy of the artists.

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — On October 18, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will open a Campus Parking complex located on Museum Way next to the Amazeum. Parking in the new garage will be free for visitors exploring the area’s attractions, including Crystal Bridges, the North Forest Trail, Listening Forest, the Amazeum, and beyond.  

The space also features Congruence, a 21-foot-tall structure by artists HYBYCOZO that will illuminate at night and function as a beacon on the facility’s Sky Terrace. Comprised of interlocking forms called truncated octahedrons, Congruence borrows inspiration from the natural world, casting light and shadow, and bathing the parking complex in geometric beauty.    

In addition to Campus Parking, Crystal Bridges guests will continue to receive access to complimentary close-in parking near the museum’s main entrance, but during especially busy days, guests will be encouraged to park in the new complex and either walk to the museum via Orchard Trail or enjoy complimentary shuttle service to the museum’s main entrance. Guests attending Listening Forest in the North Forest will park in Campus Parking and access the trail from there. 

Similar to other garages of its size, vertical clearance on the first floor of the new Campus Parking garage is 8 feet, 4 inches tall, and the second through sixth floors have a clearance of 7 feet, 2 inches. Oversized vehicles (including RVs, trailers, and buses) that do not fit the clearance requirements should park in the gravel lot on Museum Way, or at Orchards Park across NE J Street. The gravel lot will be closed to all other guest vehicles. ADA-accessible parking will remain available in the lower level of the museum’s close-in parking garage. 

On October 18, Crystal Bridges will host a soft opening event for Campus Parking, which will include architecture-based tours of the structure for museum staff and members, as well as members of the media. Attendees will also get a closer look at Congruence. The event marks the first phase of opening the new parking facility, a significant milestone in the expansion happening across the Crystal Bridges campus. The fully realized Campus Parking structure will include a retail space, café/bar, and more, all set to be completed in 2024.  

WHAT: Opening event for the new Crystal Bridges Campus Parking facility, featuring architecture-based tours of the structure. Coffee and donuts will be provided. Guests will also get a first look at Congruence, a new artwork by HYBYCOZO.  
WHEN: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 8:00 to 10:00 AM  

WHERE: Crystal Bridges Campus Parking, located on Museum Way next to the Amazeum   

WHO: Members of the media are invited to tour the facility with the crew. Various Crystal Bridges and architecture staff will also be present.

WHY: An opportunity to take a closer look at the first phase of the museum’s new Campus Parking facility.  

HOW: If you plan to attend to capture photos, video, and/or interview content, please RSVP to Michelle Moore at michelle.moore@crystalbridges.org 

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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 10.8 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 300,000 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. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.