Crystal Bridges
- Ethan Tempel
- Sep 23, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 23, 2023
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art was established by philanthropist Alice Walton with the aim of providing a space where everyone can come together to appreciate the essence of American culture, combining the influence of art with the serenity of the natural environment. This museum, a non-profit organization, officially opened its doors on November 11, 2011, and offers free admission to all visitors.

The name "Crystal Bridges" was inspired by a nearby natural spring and the incorporation of bridge-like elements in the architectural design, a creation by the renowned architect Moshe Safdie. This remarkable facility comprises a series of pavilions thoughtfully placed around two ponds fed by the spring. Within these pavilions, you can explore galleries, find meeting and classroom spaces, and discover a spacious, glass-enclosed gathering hall. To cater to visitors, there's a restaurant named Eleven and a Coffee Bar situated on a transparent bridge that provides breathtaking views of the ponds. Additionally, there's a Museum Store designed by architect Marlon Blackwell, and an expansive library boasting an impressive collection of over 50,000 volumes of art reference materials. Connecting the museum's 120-acre park to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas, are five miles of sculpture and walking trails, offering a unique and scenic experience for all.

The colors on the map describe a ten and twenty-minute radious from Crystal Bridges.
