Skip to main content

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas, yes ARKANSAS

In May 2017, a work by noted artist Jean-Michel Basquiat sold for a record $110.5 million.  That's not a typo.  A painting sold for $110,000,000.00!

I have long been a fan of Basquiat and frequently seek out his work when I visit museums.  Recently, during a visit to Crystal Bridges Museum I stood in awe of one of his works. 
Untitled by Jean Michel Basquiat
Basquait's bold, chaotic, untitled work of oil and spray enamel on the large canvas before me as I stood trying to decipher the graffiti like image. His work is one of my favorites and to think it along with several of our nation's most treasured works are housed in Bentonville, Arkansas.  Arkansas?  Yes, Arkansas.

Bentonville, Arkansas a small town in Northwest Arkansas is home to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  The museum was founded by Alice Walton and designed by famed architect, Moshe Safdie.  Safdie designed the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City and many other notable structures.  Walton? Well, Alice Walton is the daughter of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart and an American heiress by every definition of the word.

Her vision in bringing world class art to an area many thought devoid of such is to be commended.  Arkansas?  Who would've thunk it?

I've visited Crystal Bridges several times and each time I learn more and develop a greater appreciation for Walton's vision.  Being able to visit FOR FREE... oh did I mention Crystal Bridges is free. 

1. Free admission to view the museum's permanent collection and a small admission to some special exhibitions. 
Dropped Bra by Tom Wesselmann,
Coca-Cola 3 by Warhol and My Uncle
Whiskey's Bad Habit by D'Arcangelo
2. The Outdoor Collection.  Crystal Bridges features an amazing collection of art from the moment you enter the complex and see the glowing LED lights of the Villareal's Buckyball on your left.  At dusk is when this amazing piece begins to shine and visitors appreciate it for the treasure it is.  Yet, there are 21 other notable works on the grounds including one of the 6 original proofs of Robert Indiana's iconic LOVE sculpture.  The original housed in my hometown at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Yet, it's Roxy Paine Yield which fascinates me most.
Roxy Paine Yield
The towering stainless steel piece sits at the entrance of Crystal Bridges and is photo worthy.  I sometimes sit and watch as the cars and coaches circle slowly around the driveway as passengers gaze at the beautiful structure.  It was raining on the day we took this pic and we watched as lightning flashed about the piece just drawn in by its majestic beauty.

3. The staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and full of tidbits.  The children and I stood around a gigantic marble statue in awe of its majestic beauty.  A docent  approached and told us the piece was acquired from Tulane University.  The piece was weathered and in desperate need of repair.  After a thorough cleaning and some much needed repair the piece was moved to Crystal Bridges where it sits in glory to be appreciated by all.
Randolph Rogers' Atala and Charles, on loan from Tulane University
4. The Volunteers and staff are AMAZING!  As an avid volunteer I appreciate volunteers who express a genuine love for that which they volunteer for.  During a recent visit, it was raining and my eldest grabbed the umbrellas and put them into a bag.  We had entered the exhibits and were in the building for well over an hour before a docent advised we couldn't bring our umbrella into the exhibit hall as it was too large.  We apologized.  She wasn't rude or anything but a tad stern to the kids as if they weren't the lovers of art that they are.  I stayed outside the hall so the kids could enter and a volunteer approached asking if I needed assistance.  I explained our situation and she apologized, reached into her pocket and gave me her pass to an upcoming preview night saying she wasn't able to attend and wanted to gift it to an art lover.  *heart melts*  
5. I hate I only said I'd list 5 reasons why you should visit Crystal Bridges because there are so many reasons this treasure is meant to be experienced.  However, I did say 5 so let me close with a recommendation for Eleven Restaurant.  Eleven features an affordable dining experience.  It's not just the delicious food, but the restaurant has ambiance and one heckuva view.  Yet, the food is definitely a masterpiece, whether it's the Sunday Brunch - I highly recommend reservations - a quick bite for lunch or a divine dinner. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5-7 pm is a great time to visit Eleven Restaurant.  Eleven hosts a "Culture Hour" and offers discounted prices on food and beverages. 

Click here to check out one of my fave exhibits.

I wish I had listed 26 reasons instead of 5 there's so much more I'd love to share...
Alphabet / Good Humor by Claes Oldenburg
For more info on Crystal Bridges visit www.crystalbridges.org or follow @CrystalBridges on Twitter and wave if you see Three Boys and an Old Lady.

Comments

Jeannette said…
It sounds like they have a lot of culture there. It is definitely something I'm interested in because I think learning about different things including art teaches you more about yourself.
Sarah Bailey said…
Wow what an absolutely amazing sounding place to visit, it sounds like there is just so much to do and see, the art is stunning!
candy said…
Have never been to the great state of Arkansas. Enjoyed seeing the photos and reading about some great places to visit if we ever get down that way.
Unknown said…
This place looks like such a neat place. I love different pieces of art and art exhibits. I really like pieces that are different and made with odd materials.
Unknown said…
I love the Crystal Bridges museum. There certainly is a lot more than meets the eye in Bentonville! :)
This sounds interesting and that tree sculpture looks stunning. I am only 5 hours and 45 minutes away from Bentonville, never been there, but something that seems worth driving to see!
Kim said…
I've been to Arkansas once for about 2 minutes. My nephew goes to college in Memphis and we drove over the bridge and then turned around so I could say I went to Arkansas. That steel tree looking structure is awesome.
Pam said…
I have been to Arkansas a few times, but there wasn't much to see. This makes me want to go back now.
Catvills said…
Those art pieces are awesome. I like the stainless steel sculpture of Roxy Paine Yield too. That is just magnificient! I am wishing to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. I am adding Bentonville Arkansas to my travel bucket list.
Liz Mays said…
Wow, I'd love to visit this museum. I didn't realize it had so much to offer! I'd have to bring my daughter for sure.
This looks like a great place to bring my family! We loved finding new art exhibits.
I've never been to Arkansas. This sounds like an interesting museum to visit, the pieces all sound interesting and a bit eclectic.
Jenny said…
This looks like a lovely place to visit. One of my favorite vacations was go fishing in Arkansas.
Anonymous said…
This sounds like such a beautiful destination. I would love to take my family here on a vacation one day.
sandy n vyjay said…
Crystal Bridges Museum is fascinating, I loved the marble statue, reminded me of the Vatican Museums in Rome. Love museums, they are so informative and enriching.
Mimicutelips said…
What a gem in an unlikely place. Basquiat Is iconic, I would love to see some work in person.
Dhemz said…
wow, sounds like a great place to visit! My daughter loves to visit museums. I would definitely keep this info. Thanks for sharing!
Adriana said…
This sounds like a must-see for sure! I have never been to Arkansas, but I've been wanting to visit because I hear it's a lot of fun and there's so many things to do!
Kita Bryant said…
I have a friend who lives right next to this area of Arkansas. She said it's beautiful!

Popular posts from this blog

Maple and Brown Sugar Air Fryer Bacon

I've been raving about my Instant Pot but now I have a new favorite... the Air Fryer.   O M G This thing is amazing!  I don't know why I was so late to the Air Fryer craze but I am so glad I am finally onboard.   I've been talking about getting one and then after my aunt posted pics of her new air fryer, that was it off to Best Buy I went.   I wasn't sure how big of a unit I would need but I figured the 2.5 liter would suffice.  I chose the Chefman Express.  It was priced on the shelves for $85 but online for $75.99 and my local store matched the price AND I had my Swagbucks Best Buy QR code so I got 500 SBs + 2 SBs for every dollar spent so that's another 170 SBs.  So, after discounts, my air fryer ended up costing me less than the sale price.  Woohoo! There were some fancy ones on the shelves with digital display but after checking the reviews I figured since I don't fry much this model would suffice. When I think of fried foods, I think

Jeepers! It's January Hop

Happy New Year! What better way to kick off the new year than with a giveaway! I am so excited to join The Mommy Island, The Kids Did It and 90+ other fab blogs in the first big giveaway hop of 2018! Here’s your chance to start the new year off with a win. One lucky Three Boys and an Old Lady blog reader will receive a $15 Walmart eGift card. $10 may not seem like a lot but it’s enough to stock up on some last minute Christmas clearance gifts. Trust me. I bought a 6’ Christmas tree WITH lights, 2 animal massagers, 3 Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Jelly Beans Mystery Bean Dispenser, Christmas cards and wrapping paper less than $20 during an after Christmas Walmart shopping trip. I was searching for some cough syrup when my friend’s kid spotted the Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Jelly Beans Mystery Bean Dispenser on sale for 50 cents. What a steal! The regular price is $10 so to find them on sale for 50 cents was a deal. We cleared the shelves. A few rows down we spotted some anima

A Pit Stop at Sho Nuff Hot Tamales in Greenville, Mississippi

My cousin and I were driving along and our tummies were rumbling as we crossed the Mississippi state line on US-82.  We didn't really have any particular dish in mind for lunch but we started seeing signs saying "Hot Tamales". "Hot Tamales", my Philly cousin asked. "Yep", I replied nonchalantly.  "I remember reading something about hot tamales being a big thing here in the Delta."   We kept driving and finally decided we would have to try these famous Mississippi Delta hot tamales. Now to decide which one.  There were literally dozens of tamale spots.  We happened upon a restaurant called Sho-Nuff and decided it was the one. We parked and entered the large, delightfully decorated restaurant.  The wall was plastered with local and national awards in recognition of those hot tamales.   There was a sign touting Sho-Nuff as the winner of the local newspaper's favorite restaurant award and 3rd place winner in the annual  Delta Hot Ta