New gift from Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation expands free access to Crystal Bridges' temporary exhibitions

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges announced a major gift from the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation that provides free admission to Crystal Bridges' temporary exhibitions for visitors ages 25 and under, veterans, active-duty military, and SNAP recipients. Building on Crystal Bridges' commitment to free general admission and the Foundation's previous support of school visits, the gift advances a shared vision of making the museum an accessible destination where young people feel a lasting sense of connection and belonging. In recognition of the Foundation's generous support, Crystal Bridges named the Johnny Mike Walker Gallery, home to the museum's rotating temporary exhibitions, in its honor.

"Making these exhibitions free for visitors 25 and under is an investment in the next generation," said Mandy Macke, executive director of the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. "By removing the cost of admission, we hope this creates more opportunities for students, emerging professionals, young families, and other visitors to experience nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and exhibitions."

Crystal Bridges believes that great art should be accessible to everyone. This new initiative ensures that young people can engage with art, ideas and creativity, regardless of financial circumstances. Temporary exhibitions, like Keith Haring in 3D and Grandma Moses: A Good Day's Work, provide opportunities for visitors to encounter a wide range of artistic voices and perspectives that deepen understanding of the many stories and histories of America.

“Access has been core to Crystal Bridges’ mission from the beginning, and it’s a commitment the Walker Foundation has shared with us every step of the way,” said Jill Wagar, senior director of Crystal Bridges and director of the Momentary. “From making school visits possible for hundreds of thousands of students to now expanding access to our temporary exhibitions, their partnership has helped ensure more people can experience extraordinary art. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued investment in creating a museum where everyone feels welcome and that they belong.”

Since opening in 2011, more than 558,000 school children have participated in the Willard & Pat Walker School Visit program. The program provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools, including transportation, lunch, and substitute teachers. More than 60% of those students served come from rural and under-resourced communities.

For more information, please visit crystalbridges.org.

IMAGE CREDIT: Visitors enjoy Keith Haring in 3D in the Johnny Mike Walker Gallery. Keith Haring artwork © Keith Haring Foundation.

About Crystal Bridges

The mission of Crystal Bridges 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 15 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by philanthropist Alice Walton. The museum’s expansive collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions and five miles of trails featuring public art installations from prominent artists.

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. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities, and is the home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program. Some 558,375 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), a venue for the music, art, and food of our time. Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public June 6 and 7, 2026, allowing 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 Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation

Founded in 1986, the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has remained dedicated to championing Willard and Pat’s core virtues of integrity and generosity. By partnering closely with impactful nonprofits across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas, the Foundation strives to deliver meaningful support and essential resources to local communities. Areas of focus include healthcare and human services, the arts, education, and humanitarian organizations.