Crystal Bridges Art Museum
Located in the Northwest Arkansas town of Bentonville the Crystal Bridges art museum is a super-fantastic journey stop that ties together American art and history and the immediate experience of nature in a compelling and accessible way. Funded in large part by the WalMart Family Foundation the architecture of Crystal Bridges is a work of art itself. Built in a valley with a natural spring the combination of the landscape, water, and the buildings that bridge them together is inspiring. It is a place where you can interact with nature while viewing the art.
Opened on 11-11-11 the Crystal BridgesMuseum of Art is 50,000 square feet of gallery space with three unique focuses of art. There are 5 galleries to the museum: American Art, Modern Art, Contemporary Art, the special installation gallery for traveling exhibits, and the Bachman-Wilson House. Each of these galleries make up a portion of the bridges that span and encircle a central water feature.
One of the most amazing installations for me, since I am a woodworker, was a full room made of a wood inlay technique called marquetry. This process is a meticulous and detailed task that just making a small picture size piece is amazing, much less an entire room from floor to ceiling.
When you step into the room it is like you walked into someone's hunting cabin and every detail is present. The view from the windows, the doorway into the bedroom. The details in the bookcases and workshop are just stunning. I have shared a couple of pictures here, but this is just a portion of all the work in the room.
Over in the contemporary section of the exhibit hall, you find a wide variety of other types of art. This large glass circle creates a rose-colored lens to look through and see the world. With the amazing architecture of the building being the backdrop for this piece, you are treated to a great site. Want to have some fun, have someone stand behind the piece and take their picture through the glass.
Another piece that really stood out for me was this Japanese Warrior robe made of dog tags and brass. The piece is larger than life and every inch is covered by a dog tag. The contrasting metals pull you into the exhibit, while it cascades and flows down in sleek lines to your feet. There are no barriers to get in the way of feeling the strength of this piece.
When we were visiting there was a special exhibit about Superman and Wonder Woman that looked at the superhero figures of our time. My favorite from this special instralation was being able to see the original Norman Rockwell of Rosie the Riviter. I have always appreciated the artwork from the World Way II era and that there are paintings that show the strength of women in supporting the war effort here at home.
The art does not stop with the inside. There are many trails here that take you around the grounds with large outdoor art displays for you to enjoy as well. There is so much to explore here. We spent about 3 hours and did not get to do the outside portion.
Here are the details:
Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville AR
Phone: (479) 418-5700
Website: Crystalbridges.org
On Site Food: Yes
Cost: General Admission is Free, Special Exhibits have a separate ticket pricing
Suggested Time: 3 - 4 hours
Opened on 11-11-11 the Crystal BridgesMuseum of Art is 50,000 square feet of gallery space with three unique focuses of art. There are 5 galleries to the museum: American Art, Modern Art, Contemporary Art, the special installation gallery for traveling exhibits, and the Bachman-Wilson House. Each of these galleries make up a portion of the bridges that span and encircle a central water feature.
One of the most amazing installations for me, since I am a woodworker, was a full room made of a wood inlay technique called marquetry. This process is a meticulous and detailed task that just making a small picture size piece is amazing, much less an entire room from floor to ceiling.
When you step into the room it is like you walked into someone's hunting cabin and every detail is present. The view from the windows, the doorway into the bedroom. The details in the bookcases and workshop are just stunning. I have shared a couple of pictures here, but this is just a portion of all the work in the room.
Over in the contemporary section of the exhibit hall, you find a wide variety of other types of art. This large glass circle creates a rose-colored lens to look through and see the world. With the amazing architecture of the building being the backdrop for this piece, you are treated to a great site. Want to have some fun, have someone stand behind the piece and take their picture through the glass.
Another piece that really stood out for me was this Japanese Warrior robe made of dog tags and brass. The piece is larger than life and every inch is covered by a dog tag. The contrasting metals pull you into the exhibit, while it cascades and flows down in sleek lines to your feet. There are no barriers to get in the way of feeling the strength of this piece.
When we were visiting there was a special exhibit about Superman and Wonder Woman that looked at the superhero figures of our time. My favorite from this special instralation was being able to see the original Norman Rockwell of Rosie the Riviter. I have always appreciated the artwork from the World Way II era and that there are paintings that show the strength of women in supporting the war effort here at home.
The art does not stop with the inside. There are many trails here that take you around the grounds with large outdoor art displays for you to enjoy as well. There is so much to explore here. We spent about 3 hours and did not get to do the outside portion.
Here are the details:
Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville AR
Phone: (479) 418-5700
Website: Crystalbridges.org
On Site Food: Yes
Cost: General Admission is Free, Special Exhibits have a separate ticket pricing
Suggested Time: 3 - 4 hours
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