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BENTON COUNTY, Ark. – Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is excited to announce a partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary to open a satellite gallery in the airport terminal. This collaboration will offer travelers the opportunity to engage with world-class art and experience one of the region’s most renowned cultural attractions as they arrive and depart from Bentonville.
The gallery, situated just past security near the B gates, will showcase a rotating selection of artwork from Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection. The space will give visitors a much-needed pause from the hustle of travel, providing the chance to slow down, rejuvenate, and immerse themselves in the beauty of art.
“We are excited to collaborate with Crystal Bridges to incorporate an iconic piece of Northwest Arkansas’ cultural identity into XNA,” said Aaron Burkes, XNA CEO. “This partnership helps create a true sense of place for our passengers and will showcase a premier regional amenity to those who have never been to Northwest Arkansas.”
“We’re thrilled for the gallery at XNA to open this summer,” said Rod Bigelow, Executive Director of Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. “The new space perfectly aligns with Crystal Bridges and the Momentary’s mission to provide broad access to impactful art experiences. From the moment visitors step into this gallery, we aim to inspire them – whether they’re arriving in the region for the first time, returning home after a journey, or embarking on a new adventure. This initiative reinforces our commitment to making art a central part of everyone’s life.”
Construction on the space has begun, and the gallery is scheduled to open with a ribbon-cutting event in early summer 2025, ahead of the busy travel season. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.
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About Northwest Arkansas National Airport
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is committed to connecting one of the fastest-growing regions in the country to the rest of the world through safe, convenient, and customer-focused air travel. Opened in 1998, XNA now serves more than 2 million travelers annually with nonstop service to major business and leisure destinations across the United States. XNA is undergoing a Terminal Modernization Project to meet the needs of the growing region, improve passenger experience, and enhance operational efficiency. For more information, visit www.flyxna.com.
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 14 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 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned Safdie Architects. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program, Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities. Some 478,375 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 114,000 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 venue for the music, art, and food of our time; and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is ‘a living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. 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