Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Art museum · Bentonville

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Art museum · Bentonville

3

600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712

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Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art by null

Highlights

Crystal Bridges in Bentonville offers a stunning blend of American art, sparkling architecture, and 120 acres of scenic trails—plus free entry!  

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600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712 Get directions

crystalbridges.org
@crystalbridgesmuseum

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600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712 Get directions

+1 479 418 5700
crystalbridges.org
@crystalbridgesmuseum
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@themomentary

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Aug 2, 2025

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America's 15 Best Small-Town Art Museums

"Casting her curatorial net (and considerable wealth) far and wide, Alice Walton gathered centuries of exceptional American art, from the Colonial era up to the present." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/americas-best-small-town-museums
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Points of Interest: Bentonville
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Erica M

Google
Crystal Bridges Museum is a stunning destination for art and architecture lovers alike. Nestled in a lush natural setting, the museum’s multiple buildings are beautifully designed with outdoor water features and scenic walking paths connecting the spaces. I enjoyed the multi-floor layout for interest (elevators available throughout the entire museum for accessibility.) The permanent collection is impressive, and free to the public. During my visit, the temporary exhibit (Maws) was $15. The museum’s growing collection is thoughtfully curated and beautifully displayed, showcasing both classic and contemporary works.

Lucy B.

Google
First time visiting this Loved being able to see where and how the pieces are shipped and stored. Our 12 yr old says I'd give it a 3 to 4 and he actually took photos of some of the art pieces. The cafe was great staff super nice. Excited to come back to see it all again once the renovation is done

Hudgens Movie House

Google
Amazing architectural design, great spaces for art to have turn the corner intimate surprise moments or breaks in tone or content. The collection reads like three distinctive and different tastes, budgets and focus jumbled together basic on size more than content. The museum once finished with more focus on its American collection could be really amazing and one of a kind. As it is now it is a must visit full of potential. The gift shop needs something worth buying in all that space though, too much focus on one demographic of art consumers. Loved the visit and well worth the trip for many different works.

Mark Ells

Google
This place is amazing on every level! So much visual art in several media. Incredible architecture, wonderful grounds. Every staff person we encountered was friendly and helpful. Admission and parking is free! Worth spending a few hours. Absolutely!

Gare Bear

Google
Went here for the Kaws Family exhibit. The Kaws exhibit was amazing. I liked it so much I came back to see it one more time before it leaves at the end of July. The museum itself is ok . A lot of art on walls and statues . Nothing really stood out though from any other museums. It's worth visiting once if your in the area but wouldn't drive to far for this place . It's super big so your kids could walk for hours and get some energy out. They alos have outdoor trails with sculptures and gardens you can see. The only downside in my opinion is all stuff is old and doesn't seem very interesting. You can't really touch anything or do anything except when they do events wherever add temporary things. It's more of a visual experience then anything and if your not into native American stuff and the typical museum stuff your not gonna enjoy this place. Kawss exhibit 10/10. Museum 3/10

Mary Jackson

Google
Loved it! Lots of modern and contemporary art which I wasn't expecting. Amazing architecture. Excellent explanations of the architecture. The outdoor trails with sculptures were fun. It's free so just drop in. Great way to introduce kids to art museums. June 2025 lots of construction (which was cool to see), so not everything was open.

Aldair Sour

Google
Crystal Bridges Museum is an exceptional cultural space that blends world-class art with natural beauty. The architecture alone is worth a visit—modern, spacious, and seamlessly integrated into the wooded landscape of Bentonville. From the moment you arrive, everything feels thoughtfully curated, from the outdoor trails and sculptures to the gallery layouts and lighting inside. The collection spans American art across centuries, with a mix of iconic works and rotating exhibitions that keep things fresh and engaging. Whether you’re familiar with art or just curious, the museum offers a welcoming experience with clear signage, knowledgeable staff, and well-paced exhibits. What really stands out is the overall atmosphere—quiet, reflective, and inspiring without feeling pretentious. The surrounding trails and outdoor installations extend the experience beyond the walls of the museum, making it easy to spend several hours here without rushing. Admission is free, which is remarkable considering the quality of the collection and grounds. A visit to Crystal Bridges is more than just a museum stop—it’s a full experience that combines art, nature, and thoughtful design. Whether you’re local or visiting, it’s one of the most rewarding places to spend time in Northwest Arkansas.

Andy Novikov

Google
A first class museum of American art. Crystal Bridges’ art collection spans five centuries of American art, featuring masterworks by artists from Colonial times through today. As we walked throughout the galleries, it was intriguing to view the artwork in chronological order and learn about the different types of paintings from a variety of American artists unbeknownst to us. The Crystal Bridges Museum is one of our favorite museums now. It is free. There's so much to explore. It is beautifully designed. There is a restaurant — and one that outranked museums in the U.S. and Europe on this list of best museum cafes in the world. So visitors can take a break for lunch and get some rest. We visited the museum first time this year. Unfortunately we did not get to experience all it had to offer as we were limited on time. Next time we will plan to spend two days in the Crystal Bridges Museum exploring the museum in it's entirety, indoors and outdoors.
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Christy S.

Yelp
I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the trails and exhibits at this museum. I actually didn't go inside because we had our dog with us, but my family went in and checked out some of the many things the museum has to offer. My pup and I walked the trails and took in the natural beauty along with the art that is scattered throughout the massive property. Many people had dogs, bikes, or strollers, so there are all different ways to explore the trails.
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Li S.

Yelp
Arkansas is not exactly the first place I think of when I think of fine art. We had a rainy day in Bentonville with no plans, so we stopped by the Crystal Bridges Museum. The campus is quite nice - I like how it's tucked away amongst all of the trees. The Walmart family has done an excellent job of curating some truly unique pieces of art by world-renowned artists. I can't remember what was on loan vs. what was part of the permanent collection, but I do remember being very surprised at some of the big names found here. These are pieces from artists that you would find at some really famous museums. It's not a huge museum, so you can definitely see everything in a few hours - maybe an afternoon if you really take your time and stretch it. The museum was free, which was nice. Parking was free, which was also nice. I do wish it wasn't raining during our visit - we got to see some of the cool sculptures outside while there was a break in the rain, but I'm sure there was more that we missed. We had heard that the are some nice walking trails on the grounds, which I wish we would have been able to explore more. There was a little cafe, which we did not stop for, and a cute little gift shop from where I purchased a few postcards. If you're coming to Bentonville for the biking and need a break, or you have a few hours you're looking to fill, this is a great option.
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Kathy O.

Yelp
Consistently beautiful, organized and informative. This museum is one of our favorites. Enjoyed the knowing the west exhibit. Will return.
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Nancy V.

Yelp
Absolutely beautiful. Plentiful parking, easily accessible shuttle service, free admission, beautiful architecture, and interesting exhibits. I loved that they have a children's craft room that's open the same hours of the museum. The Yayoi Kusama exhibit was one I've been wanting to see for myself since college and I was blown away. They're expanding the museum, so be sure to come in 2026 when it is complete. Can't wait to revisit.
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Priyanka S.

Yelp
Crystal Bridges is a lovely escape in the other wise suburban town of Bentonville. When I went, I was able to go to most of the exhibits even though it was close to closing time. My favorite exhibit was the lantern exhibit which had multiple large colorful lanterns in a dark room. My second favorite was a wall of notes with gratitude. The entire museum was very spacious with tons of light and glass that allows you to see the outdoor pond. It was definitely a fun experience.
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Ino R.

Yelp
Truly a diamond in Arkansas. A joy to visit every time. We didn't have any intention to visit during this time to the NWA, but it's hard to skip when in Bentonville. I'm so glad to not have missed it again. I'm always impressed with the works and the different exhibitions. Now although the works aren't always different, the museum's presentation and mixing with temporary borrowed works gives it a new look and a fresh perspective. After snacking near the plaza we walked through the Compton Gardens and entered through the museum's southern entrance. We enjoyed a variety of the latest exhibitions from Space Makers, Exquisite Creatures, Think Pink!, and Vantage Point. Even Jewel had hosted an exhibition - Portals. Part of the Portals exhibit was a 9 p.m. drone show on the grounds on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday nights. I really enjoyed the visit, and am super surprised at some of the works and artists that can be seen at Crystal Bridges. Not only inside, but it has really nice permanent pieces on the trail north to the museum. Every lounge has super comfortable loungers in a lot of the big salons so that you can relax and enjoy the works. Also, plenty of the works have interactive labels and explanations for the works. I really enjoy this place. It has a small cafe where you can enjoy how the architecture melds in with the scenery. I also noticed that the museum is expanding to the north. The family also enjoyed working crafts in the lab that was following the Exquisite Creatures theme. Awesome.
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Jessica M.

Yelp
What a wonderful art museum! The building nestled in the trees and hills is just as beautiful as the art within. There is a walking and biking trail that you can take from downtown Bentonville to the museum but there is plenty of parking at the museum if you want to save your steps for looking at art. The museum has free admission to the general exhibit and Frank Lloyd Wright house which does have a timed entry. There is a nominal fee for any special exhibits. The art walk on the grounds of the museum are a must-see as well. You can definitely make a day of it at Crystal Bridges and enjoy every minute!
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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!
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Angela S.

Yelp
A world class museum, Crystal Bridges is an incredible gift from Alice Walton. Admission is free. In addition to a vast selection of art work, the museum is an architectural masterpiece in itself. Some works are commissioned by the museum, such as Maya Lin's Upper White River. The museum currently has a special light show set in its North Forest called Time Loop. Timed tickets must be purchased. Go after dark to enjoy the full effects of the show.
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PJ C.

Yelp
Fantastic art museum and all for free. We spent almost as much time outside as inside exploring the grounds and the art. (Don't miss the display of Arkansas quartz along one of the paths it is stunning). We really loved the self-guided tour of the FLW house (get timed tickets when you first arrive). We toured through the inside exhibits and found some of the presentations refreshing since in some cases they mixed different generations of art by certain themes. The building itself is super interesting. I can only imagine what it will be like when the new addition is done in the next couple of years. This community is lucky to have such a gem.
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Maggie J.

Yelp
We built our whole vacation to Bentonville around our visit to the Crystal Bridges Museum and it did not disappoint. We woke up early on Saturday morning and walked the trails surrounding the museum beginning at around 8:30am. There were other people walking and biking on the trails but it was still pretty peaceful. The art on the trails was absolutely incredible and an impressive amuse bouche to the art in the museum. My favorite pieces were Kusama Narcissus Garden and the Bourgeois Mother of Spiders, but there was something for everyone. After completing the trails we lined up to get into the museum right at 10am. There was a good group in the morning but it was significantly more crowded that afternoon after lunch. I definitely would recommend getting there early and beating the crowds. The museum was expansive and laid out in a very thoughtful way to be able to easily walk through and not miss anything. The art collection was beautifully curated and I am so happy that we made the trip to see this remarkable museum.
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Amanda T.

Yelp
Went to see The Portal drone show. Everyone should definitely go once, especially if you've never seen a drone show. Kinda disappointed that the show ended so fast (~15-20min) + Quite expensive for the family given the length of the show ($25 non members).
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Carrie F.

Yelp
Absolutely amazing exhibition @crystalbridgesmuseum All of the creatures were humanely acquired to show the beauty of nature in mind-blowingly creative and painstakingly ornate schematics. All of this is in Bentonville, Arkansas and free thanks to the community partnership with @walmart This is just a fraction of the cool displays created and displayed by @christophermarleystudio
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Dan V.

Yelp
Beautiful facility. Supported by so many in industry in the northwest Arkansas area. Was there for a large corporate function but understand Walmart has not only helped enable the development but provides ongoing sponsorship so no one ever pays an admission fee. Nice variety of different types of art in a really pretty setting.
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Dustin E.

Yelp
What an amazing treat for Arkansas! This place is amazing! They brought a Frank Lloyd Wright house in and put it up on site. Who does that? A great museum, that is who! I'm not sure there are any better galleries in the Midwest. The Nelson in Kansas City is probably their only competition Otherwise you have to go to New York to see this kind of quality art on display. My wife has been wanting to go here for years, and now I see why. I am so glad we made it! If you get a chance to go to Crystal Bridges do not pass it up.
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Lisa J.

Yelp
Wow! I'm here visiting my kid and his am so impressed with this museum. I've been to museums all over the world and this one is up there for sure! Amazing. Food and coffee shop is great too!
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Christian Y.

Yelp
The museum and the surrounding land and compound is gorgeous and so well thought out. They have some special exhibits for a fee but everything else is free for the community at large and such a pleasure to experience. The museum itself is bright and modern with amazing architecture as art itself. There are walking trails along the museum with art interspersed throughout. The surrounding land has hiking trails and lots of bike trails. You can book a tour of the Usonian Frank Lloyd Wright House (also free) ahead of time online or grab tickets at the museum. Crystal Bridges is a great way to spend a day or two as you can take it easy and look at art or you can go for a joy ride on their many bike trails. There were a lot of families and large groups on the road, but it never felted crowded.
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Laure H.

Yelp
Truly one of the nicest museums I have been to. There is such a nice mix of art, interesting installations, and it is so well maintained and lit with natural light. What a wonderful addition to bentonville and great to spend a couple hours in for an afternoon.
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Jennifer E.

Yelp
A jewel for NWA. Lovely space indoors, outdoors and the building. Free parking free entry except for special displays. They have a studio for people to make their own art for free as well. Primarily for kids but my friend sat in there for over a hour making art. If I lived in the area I would be here monthly. Highly recommend. Note that you do need a ticket for Frank Lloyd Wright house but they are free. They only limit the number of people can be in the house at the same time. Personally, I would skip the current special show by Annie Leibovitz. It didn't think it was that impressive and it did cost around $13.
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Paul P.

Yelp
So much to see at this amazing compound. Building in progress you know this is going to be fantastic when everything is complete. I was prepared to pay an entry fee and for it to be free and available to all is a fantastic value for this community. We loved the outdoor gardens, the Frank Lloyd Wright house and the wonderful exhibits. Parking on the lower level gets you closer to the entrance though we parked up top. Would highly recommend!
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Andrew M.

Yelp
Was traveling through on a very important business trip. Saw some American Pickers camera crew filming a sign with bird crap on it. The ball room was cool although they only allow one minute. Pinocchio was creepy as hell. The drawing room was cool. Parking was weird as I drove myself in a 15 passenger bus. The place didn't make much sense and everyone looked like an art professor. Neat architecture. I left feeling a bit overwhelmed and flabbergasted.
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Layda C.

Yelp
Amazing - looking forward to my next visit - Grounds are meticulously maintained and have great sculptures
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Sarah W.

Yelp
Such a cool stop in Bentonville! I'm not a huge museum person but this was definitely worth checking out and how incredible that it's FREE to the public! The museum is beautiful in and of itself, and features multiple galleries of different time periods, styles, and themes. I especially enjoyed the interactive mirrored exhibit with the colored balls. There are also outdoor sculpture installations as well. This was a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
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Vivian H.

Yelp
So blessed to have this awesome place in NWA along with the Compton gardens. Great art classes for kids!
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Maria A.

Yelp
Lots of construction and construction cranes now (summer 2024) so not a lot to see or access & even the water it sits on is subsequently murky. It will be spectacular but I would not recommend going until it is completed.
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Bill P.

Yelp
Fantastic museum with outstanding collection. Well organized and presented. I live in Memphis, about 5 hours away but typically make it to Crystal Bridges a couple times a year. That being said, the Annie Leibovitz at Work exhibit was the most disappointing I have seen at any major art museum I have visited. Leibovitz's photographs are excellent but this exhibit was disorganized and chaotic. I had such difficulty following it that I ultimately just left. The photographs weren't marked but visitors were given a brochure that provided no background to the photographs nor any help identifying what you were seeing. Previous special exhibits such as Diego Rivera have been world class. Please take time to visit Crystal Bridges but i would not waste time on Leibovitz.
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Eri H.

Yelp
All of our friends recommended that we visit the Crystal Bridges Museum. Since it was a rainy day we decided to pay a visit and the admission is free. They have an outdoor and indoor exhibit! The outdoor area is definitely more child friendly and more fun for children to enjoy in general. This is an art museum but my younger children definitely felt bored having to walk through each exhibit. But I was quite impressed with all the art and sculpture that was on display given that the admission is for free. There are still some rooms under construction and changes but I had a great time. My kids not so much! Just FYI you will see many staff everywhere who will yell at you to be careful and not get to close to things especially when you walk around with children. Don't blame them as we just saw a teen getting into an display of cymbals and that kid actually hit them like a drum set! I guess the rules how to walk through an art museum was not explained to him well. Anyways! A wonderful place to visit for art lovers and adults. If you come with children the outdoor exhibit is definitely worth checking out!
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Lowell C.

Yelp
Just reviewed a poor quinoa kale salad. Their soup is always good. The Happy Hour drink special is thrifty and the fried pickles are better than expected. Recommend the flatbread.
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Robin B.

Yelp
Made me think of my past and all of our pasts. I was first excited of the free price tag. Parking was difficult. Place was PACKED and had lots of people too. I am art expert, and while this place has a lot of razzle dazzle, I quickly realized it was just a museum. Nothing more, nothing less. I liked the "JOHNNY" portrait. There were lots of cool statues. There was an awesome climbing course on one of the walls. I drew pictures and was proud of my work at first but they did not hold up on closer inspection. The infinity mirror room made me question my existence. I almost started crying. I hope no one was watching me. One employee scared me with his bald looks and ostrich-like mannerisms. The Jewel experience made me tingle with excitement, but upon further inspection she wasn't actually there. Lots children and other people (we were there on a Sunday) would not taking young ones here. There was nudity. In the art. Good stuff! I felt like I was at Jurassic World.
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Tom T.

Yelp
Highly recommended. An inspirational place to visit if you're in Bentonville Arkansas. The few pictures below give a sample of what you can see. The food is very good. Go and enjoy!
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Donna J.

Yelp
The museum and the grounds are just wonderful. There is even a Frank Lloyd Wright house you can tour (tickets are free but you need them to enter as they limit number of people at one time) Walking trails outside, so much to see inside. Free but special exhibits have a fee. If you like museums, worth a visit.
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Barbara P.

Yelp
I love visiting the Crystal Bridges art museum in Bentonville, Arkansas, again and again. It is truly a world-class museum! The architecture is so unique and incredible! I love their gift shop. The restaurant is stunning! I love their happy hour, where you can enjoy live music, great wine and appetizers. We enjoyed a nice charcuterie board and a big yummy scone. I love touring the entire museum every time I visit Bentonville. This is truly a very special gem, not to be missed! Its only 2 hours from Tulsa & only 3.5 hours from Oklahoma City. Plus bentonville has several very good restaurants to enjoy if you spend a few days there, like Tavola, Tusk & Trotter, Hive, and Eleven in the museum. Take a weekend vacation to Bentonville; you will love it!
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Lisa S.

Yelp
Simply amazing!! Our group of 10, ages 7-52 all found something they loved here! The collections are amazing, the layout of the space is gorgeous and they are expanding, the maker space for the young or young at heart was super fun, the cafeteria had something for everybody (including vegans, gluten free, and meatavores), and the coffee shop had delicious coffee to fuel us mid way through. We could easily have spent all day here, and not just the 4-5 hours we did.
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Hadley B.

Yelp
This museum is beautiful both inside and out. I always take my out-of-town guests here to show them the charm of Bentonville, Arkansas. Each one of them has been very impressed! You can spend hours here learning about a wide variety of art. I really enjoy that it has free parking and free admission. That is an added bonus. Each time that I go I learn something new or notice a different piece of art. They do a great job of making sure they rotate out their exhibits and that they bring in well-known artists into the museum. I am always excited to see new exhibits. While the art is impressive, I also enjoy walking around the trails, studying in the library, and enjoying the coffee stand. There is something for everyone here!
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KR H.

Yelp
Do you like art museums?? Then you HAVE to stop in here. Beautiful modern architecture. Wonderful exhibits. Free parking and free admission. Special shows will cost you though. Found out my wife prefers modern art today. I liked several of the older paintings. But I have also always liked modern art. We had a wonderful time. So stop in and have some fun. The docents are very helpful and helpful. No stuffiness here.
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Drew D.

Yelp
What a great place! My boyfriend and I spent almost 3 hours walking around looking at all the exhibits. They have an extensive outdoor walking trails full of art and sculptures right in the middle of nature. Inside, the art gallery was full of life and exciting pieces! To top it off this place is 100% free. Will be back!
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Jen W.

Yelp
If I could give 10 stars I would. Before I had taken a road trip through Arkansas to visit friends in 2019, I wasnt quite sure what all existed out there, that would captivate my attention. There was so much! I was blown away by gorgeous expanses of nature. Drove through the Ozark mountains in a snow storm. Walked lakes and forests. Explored small towns. It was magical. Was there again in 2022, and took all recommendations seriously. Crystal Bridges was very high on the suggestion list. My interest was peaked. The Museum was founded by the Walton family. It encompasses multiple architecturally fascinating exhibition buildings surrounded by trees, hills, creeks and art. There are paid exhibitions, like the Fashioning America collection when I was there, but the vast majority of art and sculptures are free to see. There is a wonderful gift shop. A cafe and restaurant on one of the bridges over water. Theres a library on a higher floor with great views. Many events and activities are held inside. Then there are the exterior adventures!! The outdoor trails take you passed many interesting installments, some temporary and some permanent. There's a Frank Lloyd Wright house on the premise, and since Im slowly checking off all of his visitable houses, this was a marvelous bonus! Tickets are free but you need to reserve a spot. I also seek out Chihuly exibits of blown glass. He created the rainbow spheres on the lake and has other art at this museum. There was a famous pianist holding a concert that night at one of the glassed in rooms on the back lake. There was a hurricane band coming through that day so the museum had complimentary umbrellas to hand out. I graciously accepted one because I wasnt going to let a minor downpour with tornado warnings discourage me from walking the great outdoors. So much to do and not a moment of boredom. (Sometimes museums with only paintings make me zone out. Dont judge!) I hadnt had this much fun at a museum in a very long time so I give it ten thumbs up! If I lived close, Id absolutely be a member.
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Cindy P.

Yelp
This is a really cool place. It is something you can spend 1-3 hours doing. What I really liked about it is that it is free. Most of their exhibits are free to enter and they even have a self guided audio tour. During our visit they have a special exhibit called "The Dirty South" that cost $12. I did not go into that exhibit but someone from my group did. She said the exhibit was amazing and it brought her to tears. They have a pretty cool coffee/snack area with a live DJ.
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Marissa T.

Yelp
Love this museum. The architecture is incredible. I would recommend bringing your laptop, grabbing a cup of coffee at the cafe and work while enjoying the view.
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Christian T.

Yelp
Crystal bridges is beautiful. The art is incredible and unique. You could easily spend the whole day here if you love art, architecture, and/or nature.
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Jennifer Y.

Yelp
Sublime museum of art, architecture, and, nature. Phenomenal collection of American Art, from John Taylor to Nari Ward. Glorious architecture designed by Moshe Safdie. Eloquent trails to walk, hike, run, bike, and, picnic upon. Planning already I am of my next visit. A different scene it'd be with the four seasons. Along with special exhibits, I see myself reserving the tickets and make the 5-1/2 drive here regularly. CHEERS!
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Adam S.

Yelp
An incredible museum with every detail thought through, in and out. The art, the architecture, the nature trails and the fact that it's free admission made this a major standout on a recent trip to Bentonville. We almost literally spent the whole day here and never got bored. We pulled up and took in the overall setting with unique glass structures, water, and a wonderful collection of trails. Inside, the art was wonderful and we loved the exhibition on nature. Even with a cranky kiddo tagging alongside, we were able to enjoy this because of the built in breaks; for instance, a kids art table room, an outdoor eating space to run around in, and trails to explore. The trails are so wonderful because they encourage cyclists (and Bentonville has a lot of them) to ride to the museum, and also include sculptures and art throughout. A popular favorite for my four year old was the "Way of Color" skyspace where she put on a concert or two for anyone who would listen. We even came back a second day to track down the gigantic deer sculpture and other Chihuly glass sculptures along one of the nature trails. Mission accomplished! Just a wonderful experience, extremely well-kept, friendly museum staff, and worth exploring for as long as you possibly can.
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Sabrina M.

Yelp
We walked from the Bentonville square to Crystal Bridges today. I highly recommend you do both. The walk from the square to get to Crystal Bridges is nearly as cool as Crystal Bridges itself. But Crystal Bridges is a sight to see. There is so much to do, both inside and out. You could spend an entire day here. So much of it is free and open to the public. There are events you can pay for in addition but even the free stuff is wonderful. Like the echo room in the lobby, all the art scattered about, they have a great cafe and wonderful views. The facility itself is an architectural landmark. The design is so unique. All of the outdoor sculptures and features are incredible. If you're going to be near Bentonville and not planning on doing this then you should just stay on the highway, seriously.
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Hunter S.

Yelp
This is a uniquely designed museum with awesome modern architectural details and beautiful gardens. It's sizable, but not overwhelming. When I went there was a well done, diverse exhibit of black art and heritage in the south called "The Dirty South." There is also a good mix of early American and modern art. There is a cafe and a coffee shop. Entry is free, though special exhibits have a fairly small fee.
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Paul Yelp N.

Yelp
Worth the trip. I have been to many museums Chicago, Detroit, DC, London, etc. and cannot tell you of ANY which allow you get this up close and personal to the works. It is undoubtedly a different experience which can only be appreciated in person.
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Zona I.

Yelp
Awesome place to spend a day. Beautiful art and always something special on display.

Eric D.

Yelp
I love this place beautiful sitting in a middle of a pound it's one big loop would come back again most definitely always got something different going on every month
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Maddie B.

Yelp
We had an amazing time. So fun to walk around outside and the whole museum was lovely. It's free!! 100% go here if you can
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Kurt M.

Yelp
A must-see in Bentonville! Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art celebrates the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Friendly staff with great customer service. We felt the power of nature and didn't want to leave! Key Tips - Admission is free! - There are five miles of sculpture and walking trails linking the museum's 120-acre park to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. - You can expect to spend anywhere from 1-3 hours exploring the galleries and trails, so wear comfortable shoes. - If you're looking for a guided tour, Drop-in Tours are one hour offered daily and led by a trained volunteer Tour Guide. - If you work up an appetite or get thirsty, there is a restaurant called Eleven and a coffee bar with gorgeous views overlooking the pond. - Be sure to bring some cash for the gift shop or to visit a limited-time exhibit.