Tom V.
Yelp
All the stars for this architectural treasure & art repository in the northwest Arkansas woods! If museums are your thing, then make a point to visit this one.
The architecture is stunning in its own way. Between the sustainability, weaving materials from Arkansas into the design and finish, or the overall lines, it is simply one of a kind. The museum sits in a ravine and its lines nestle naturally into the landscape instead of an obtrusive building that would seem out of place. Arkansas pine makes up many of the structural timbers that arc overhead proving that one doesn't have to go far to source phenomenal material.
The art is laid out much the same way of other galleries, that is to say that modern begets modern and so on. Find the Chihuly glass overhead or outside, pieces from Georgia O'Keeffe, Norman Rockwell, or Roy Lichtenstein, or even mesmerizing immersive art experiences. There is a Yoko Ono piece 'My Mommy is Beautiful' that allows for anyone to contribute to make living art. Also on temporary exhibit was a collection by Jewel, yes, that Jewel, including a powerful piece called 'Chill'. It's a lucite figure in a lotus pose with dozens of capsule/pills throughout, representing perhaps better living through chemistry? If you get the chance, then go check it out.
But I highly recommend taking the minute or so to walk through Yayoi Kusama's 'Infinity Mirrored Room', part of the permanent collection at Crystal Bridges. It's worth the wait and immerses you in a sea of light and color, almost surreal and carnival-esque at once. There can be a wait but it's certainly worth it.
The museum is free, with donations encouraged but not mandatory. There is comfort throughout and this is a fairly kid-friendly museum as you can be both inside and outside. Should you make a day of it, Eleven offers up some nice food or you can grab coffee near that same area. Parking is free and there is even a shuttle that will ferry you to and from the front doors to a separate parking area.
Walton money has definitely done good here. Wonderful place!