Spring Guide

When you come to Crystal Bridges with spring in full swing, you’ll get a boost of energy and inspiration around every corner of both the museum and its sprawling grounds. Vibrant exhibitions, renowned architecture, and lively events invite you to reinvigorate your senses and curiosity.

Outside, Ozark nature comes to life—lush greenery and blossoms add new perspectives to your journey.

Whether you’re exploring the galleries or the great outdoors, this guide is your companion for planning a smooth, comfortable, and unforgettable spring visit full of discovery.

Leading the 2026 spring season is the opening of America 250 in March, an exhibition celebrating America’s semiquincentennial and highlighting art, community, and history.

Over the rest of the year, anticipate exciting changes! As the United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will celebrate a milestone event of its own: the opening of our expanded galleries and facilities, increasing our building’s size by 50 percent.

We’re adding another 114,000 square feet of galleries, studios, dining options, event spaces, and more where you, our guests, can enjoy and explore even more American art, admire the natural beauty of the Ozarks, and experience creativity and community.

An all-new installation of our renowned, fast-growing art collection will offer a fresh pathway for exploring the rich and diverse range of American stories, its people, and its places, with free admission for all.

Extraordinary works from every era, representing all the nation’s communities, will relay tales of American lives, past and present, and invite you to add your own experiences to the national narrative.

Outdoors, Yayoi Kusama’s Flowers installation continues to enchant visitors along the Orchard Trail. These whimsical, larger-than-life sculptures, adorned with Kusama’s signature polka dots, invite you to explore themes of life, death, and transformation in a burst of playful color.

Want to keep the latest gallery information right at your fingertips as you explore our permanent collection? Download our digital guide on the Bloomberg Connects app to stay in the know, as the art on view often rotates throughout the year.

With so much in full bloom, spring is a gorgeous time to explore the scenic outdoor spaces at Crystal Bridges. With over five miles of trails weaving through the museum’s 134-acre grounds, this season brings a vibrant display of flora and fauna that truly brings the landscape to life.

We’re proud to hold arboretum status, which means the grounds are home to a diverse collection of trees, plants, and flowers carefully curated for their beauty and ecological importance.

As you wander, keep an eye out for spring blossoms like Venus Dogwoods along the Art Trail and redbuds on the East Terrace Switchback, as well as the wildflowers highlighted in the museum’s Plant Guide. The trails offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with nature, with sculptures and art installations providing surprises along the way.

Whether you’re a nature lover, art enthusiast, or both, the trails offer something for everyone. Bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and a sense of curiosity—spring at Crystal Bridges is not to be missed!

Just like the season, spring programs at Crystal Bridges are always bursting with energy, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Spring break brings a week of creative fun for everyone, with new themed activities each year inspired by the museum’s current exhibitions and art on view.

Celebrate the arrival of new exhibitions with exciting museum-wide kickoff events, where you can count on themed parties and dynamic programming that make exhibition launches at Crystal Bridges consistently unforgettable.

And to liven up your calendar even more, experience our monthly weekend events centered around artmaking, in-gallery conversations, and engaging activities inspired by the art on view and other creative themes. Crystal Bridges offers free, drop-in activities perfect for families to enjoy time together.

There’s plenty of ways to recharge your spirit with a day at the museum, like strolling the trails and discovering inspiring artworks nestled in nature—from sculptures to architectural wonders.

You can also treat yourself to something fresh and flavorful at Eleven, our on-site restaurant serving American comfort food with seasonally rotating menus. For a relaxing end to the day, stop by for happy hour on Thursday or Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and enjoy half-price beer, wine, and small plates—all with stunning springtime views of the museum.

Spring in Bentonville is a season of surprises, so come prepared for anything!

Early spring mornings and evenings can be cooler than expected, so layers are your best bet—think a light jacket or sweater you can peel off as the day warms up.

By late spring (May), the weather turns warm and humid, so breathable fabrics are a good idea if you’re exploring Crystal Bridges’ outdoor trails or grounds. Rain and storms aren’t uncommon this time of year, so pack a small umbrella or rain jacket just in case. If you’re planning to attend outdoor events at the museum, be sure to check the inclement weather line or follow Crystal Bridges on social media for any updates or rescheduling info.

With the right gear and a little planning, you’ll be ready to enjoy the vibrant beauty of Bentonville in bloom!

No matter the season, and whether you’re exploring inside or out, we are committed to providing a comfortable and accessible experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. Complimentary wheelchairs and walkers are offered at Guest Services and service animals are welcome, in addition to other accommodations we have for various programs, like assisted listening devices and sign language interpretation.

Find out more on our Museum Accessibility page.

Plan your visit today to immerse yourself in the vibrancy of spring at Crystal Bridges! Be sure to check out our Plan a Visit Page for full information on hours, parking, and directions, and get the full scoop on upcoming events to energize yourself on our calendar.