Crystal Bridges Museum Review
Welcome to Sugar, Spice & Glitter! Please note, this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, see our Full Disclosure.
Over the weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of checking out Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas and getting a sneak peek at what’s to come at the museum in the future. Today, I’m so excited to share with you my no-hold’s barred review of this beauty in the woods.
This blog post and my visit to Crystal Bridges has been compensated by Crystal Bridges and Soapbox Influence. As always, my opinions are mine alone.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Review
Crystal Bridges is the newest American art museum to open in more than a generation, and they have truly created something modern that learns from all that has come before them.
Their mission is “to welcome ALL in a setting that unites art and nature” and they do this in a number of ways, including free admission, generous programs for schools (which include not only paying for the bus but also substitute teachers if the teacher on the field trip needs class coverage).
The museum itself is a feat of architecture. On first impression, the building is magnificent, but learning that the parts of the building that stretch over the water are actually built as suspension bridges, the poetic and understated nature of the museum starts to become apparent.
For my visit, myself and 7 other bloggers were hosted by the museum and given a private tour with the museum curator before the museum even opened for the day.
Walking around and learning about the interplay of art, history, architecture, nature and social justice within the collected works and building of Crystal Bridges was an enriching experience, and it brought deeper meaning to so many works that I probably would’ve walked by or not given a second thought.
I was particularly touched by the gentle and factual nature in which the curator spoke about racial identity and racial issues while discussing relevant works. They made their commitment to diversity and inclusiveness apparent at every turn. From the works they selected to how they spoke about and presented those works.
(And in a city where the town square has a Confederate statue and individuals still fly Confederate flags, that commitment was well appreciated and re-assured me that Arkansans in general are willing to acknowledge their past, while moving forward and creating a more inclusive, thoughtful society in the future.)
View this post on Instagram
There was also no pretense about the museum – the staff were so inclusive and didn’t treat any of us differently based on our previous knowledge, and the informational write-ups that accompanied each art work did a good job of giving enough background information and social-historical analysis that you were able to gain that greater understanding, while being succinct enough that you won’t feel like you’re spending the whole visit reading.
While a private tour with the museum curator may not be something that everyone has the opportunity to do, the museum does have guided audio tours that would give many of the same insights. I know I often overlook those while travelling with the kids, but after this experience, I will be more likely to try to enhance my museum visits with those guides.
Crystal Bridges also offers over 500 programs and events throughout the year to enhance the museum experience, so there are many wonderful opportunities open to the public that you could take advantage of!
They also have an impressive commitment to incorporating technology into the museum experience, beyond audio books.
There are iPads throughout the museum that give you the opportunity to interact with the artworks and have developed some cool Virtual Reality experiences that allow you to actually STEP INTO the artwork!
The weekend that we were there, the museum actually launched an original piece of art “into space” using a weather balloon. This piece was created especially for the event and a camera was attached to the “shuttle” which I’m sure will be used as a separate piece of art when everything is collected.
This convergence of art, science and technology is the epitome of what Crystal Bridges is trying to create within the art world.
The museum’s collection spans five centuries of American art from Early American to Contemporary, including:
- Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter
- Kerry James Marshall’s Our Town
- Mark Rothko’s No. 210/No. 211 (Orange)
- Georgia O’Keeffe’s Jimson Weed
- Morris Louis’ Airborn
- Frederick Eversley’s Big Red Lense
- Titus Kaphar’s the Cost of Removal
So many exciting pieces for art lovers – whether you are walking into the museum with previous knowledge of these works, or if you become educated about them as you are there.
The museum also offers 4 miles of walking and biking trails cover the 120-acre grounds with a beautiful Ozark landscape, several thought-provoking sculptures, gardens, and interactive education areas.
They have also relocated a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home from New Jersey to their quiet grounds for guests to explore.
(However, it was super duper icy the day that I visited and the sidewalks hadn’t been salted – do they even salt sidewalks in Arkansas? – so I stayed pretty close to the museum.)
Men of Steel, Women of Wonder
While at the museum, I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the upcoming Men of Steel, Women of Wonder exhibit (#MOSWOW), which is set to open February 9 to April 22, 2019 and then will go on to visit San Antonio Museum of Art (June 22 to September 2) and then the Addison Gallery of American Art in Massachusetts (October 5 to January 5, 2020).
Superman and Wonder Woman are two of the most beloved icons in American pop culture. Created in times of economic adversity and world war, these characters quickly emerged as beacons of American morality, representing the ideals of truth, justice, and the American way. Men of Steel, Women of Wonder is a new exhibition developed by Crystal Bridges’ Assistant Curator, Alejo Benedetti, that examines art world responses to Superman and Wonder Woman ranging from their Depression-era origins to today’s contemporary artist interpretations.
The #MOSWOW exhibition is set to celebrate more than 50 artists from different regions, perspectives, and identities; and showcases a diverse range of artwork (70 objects that include drawings, prints, sculptures, video, mixed media works, and installations).
The artwork explores complex issues, such as how artists use Superman and Wonder Woman to discuss social justice, national identity, American values, and the concept of humanity. The works range from loving endorsements of heroic ideals to brutal critiques of issues affecting American society.
The intention of the exhibit is to introduce visitors to important contemporary artists and leverage their voices to tell their own stories.
This exhibit is $12 for adults, free for members & youth ages 18 and younger.
Know Before You Go:
- Free parking
- Commitment to accessibility – limited number of wheelchairs available at no cost
- Free lockers to store your items
- The main collection is free, some special exhibits have separate entrance fees
- On site, there is a restaurant and coffee bar
- Picnics are allowed on museum grounds (as are leashed pets)
- Strong WiFi throughout museum
- Photos allowed, no flash photography
- On the first floor near the Great Hall there is a private room that can be used by nursing mothers who prefer a private setting.
Pin this review of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for your future Arkansas travel:
For more resources on planning your family vacation to Bentonville, Arkansas, check out our Arkansas Travel Section here.
The salon was my favorite. I could have sat there all day looking at the art.
The whole museum property was amazing!
Wow, what a fun museum!
Ηello there! This ppst coսld not be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me оf my good old room
mate! He always kept chatting about this.
I will forwarɗ this post to hіm. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
Thɑnk yoᥙ for sharing!
I thought I saw a dog-tag sculpture….did I?
You did!
So excited for our upcoming trip to Arkansas, adding Crystal Bridges to our itinerary!
I’ve never thought about travelling to Arkansas for a family vacation, but honestly, it looks like an amazing time! Pinning to my travel board now!
We skipped Crystal Bridges on our trip to Bentonville, I had no idea it was such a gorgeous and well curated museum. We really missed out!
It sounds like you had an amazing time at the Crystal Bridges Museum! Art can be such a powerful way to connect with our emotions and creativity. Just like appreciating art, it’s important to focus on healing and self-care in other aspects of life, such as recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, seeking support from a trusted alcohol rehab program can make all the difference in starting a new chapter. Art and healing go hand in hand in nurturing the mind and body!
It was an amazing museum – hope you get to check it out!
This sounds like such an incredible opportunity! Having a private tour with the museum curator before opening hours must have made the experience even more special. I love how you described the way Crystal Bridges blends art, history, architecture, nature, and social justice—it makes the museum sound like so much more than just an art gallery. Your post has definitely inspired me to add this place to my travel list!things to do in Auburn
I really enjoyed reading this. Often, when people think about museums, they only consider the exhibits inside, but your post shows how architecture itself can be part of the experience. The way the structure extends over the water using suspension techniques makes it feel alive, blending engineering and art beautifully.
Crystal Bridges was one of the best museums I have been blessed to visit – I hope you’re able to visit yourself. Thanks for stopping by!
I admire how you handled the situation during your trip to Niseko. Breastfeeding in such cold conditions is definitely not easy, but your story shows how strong and adaptable mothers can be. The part about baby Hayley not wanting to sleep away from home is also so relatable for many parents who travel with little ones. Your blog is inspiring because it’s not just about travel—it’s also about real parenting challenges. Loved reading this post!
I think you read a different post – my daughter was well past breast feeding age during our visit! Thanks for stopping by!
Oh my goodness this looks amazing. We weren’t going to stop in Arkansas on our way to visit family but now going to take an extra day to explore. Thanks for sharing.
It is well worth the extra day, I loved my visit to Bentonville and wish I had the time to explore more of the state. Please let me know if you uncover any more gems during your visit! Thanks for stopping by!
This is such a thoughtful observation and something many travelers overlook until they are dealing with it themselves. Hats are great for sun protection and style, but they definitely are not suitcase friendly. I also like how you pointed out the inconvenience of carrying it once it is no longer needed. It is refreshing to see a travel blog focus on these practical, everyday challenges. Historical Hotels
The Montessori Silence Game is such a beautiful way to help children develop inner peace and focus. Making silence an active ‘creation’ rather than just a rule is a brilliant perspective! Since I spend so much time researching these educational activities, an online screen testing tool saves me time every week by ensuring my monitor is perfectly adjusted
I completely resonate with this! Traveling with a dog seemed intimidating to me at first, but reading about your journey with Zoey makes it feel so achievable. Pets definitely add extra responsibilities, but they also bring so much companionship and comfort, especially when you’re far from home. I’m really curious to learn more about how you managed transportation and adapting to different living situations with Zoey. Such a helpful guide for travelers! Mansion B&B
This post came at just the right time, especially with holiday road trips approaching. I love how you focused on real-life use rather than just features. The Solvit Sta-Put Hammock Seat Cover sounds like a smart investment for anyone who travels with pets regularly. It is reassuring to know it fits well in different cars and still offers protection. Lucky Ruckus definitely seems to be enjoying the upgrade just as much as you are. Salah Time
What an incredible experience! It sounds like having a private tour with the curator really added depth to your visit. Museums like Crystal Bridges often have layers of history and meaning that are easy to miss on a standard tour, so being able to explore the connection between art, architecture, and social justice must have been fascinating. I love how you noticed details you might have otherwise overlooked—it really inspires me to plan a visit myself. Railroad Museum
Your experience really highlights how important water quality and environment are when choosing a beach destination. Many people assume all oceans are the same, but factors like temperature, cleanliness, and currents completely change the experience. It’s understandable to avoid places where safety feels uncertain. Jamaica’s beaches are known worldwide for their clarity and warmth, which makes them much more appealing for swimming and relaxation. Posts like this are helpful because they set realistic expectations and remind readers to research beach conditions before planning a trip. Best travel agent in Bangalore
I completely agree with this. Building a solid routine takes months, and it can feel unsettling to break that pattern right before an important race. Hotels rarely provide the setup runners are used to at home. Your writing captures that nervous energy perfectly. This kind of honest content is valuable because it prepares runners mentally for what to expect. I am looking forward to learning more about how to manage these challenges effectively. Cabo Rojo Dominican Republic
Your shared insights have been immensely helpful. Thank you! Modern women’s fashion focused on style, comfort, and great fit. Shop the latest styles and jeans at Lovesophy with fast delivery and free shipping on orders over 499.95 DKK for Danish customers.
It’s interesting how personal experiences shape where we feel comfortable swimming. Beaches in major cities sometimes struggle with pollution and overcrowding, which can make them less appealing. On the other hand, tropical destinations like Jamaica are often maintained with tourism in mind, so cleanliness and comfort are prioritized. Warm water definitely makes a big difference too, especially compared to the cold Atlantic waters around New York. Trolley Tour
What I love most about this post is how it showcases the variety the Jersey Shore offers. Not every destination can cater equally well to couples looking for a romantic getaway and families seeking fun-filled adventures. From browsing local farmers markets to enjoying concerts by the water, it feels like there’s a unique experience waiting around every corner. Definitely adding this to my summer travel ideas. Honeymoon safari Tanzania
I completely agree that spending your vacation time running to grocery stores defeats the purpose of a relaxing camping trip. Feeding raw while traveling takes commitment, and it’s helpful to see these challenges acknowledged. This kind of information is valuable for new raw feeders who may not have considered how travel logistics can affect their routine. Thanks for shedding light on something that many dog owners will benefit from thinking about ahead of time. Cambodia dirt bike tours
Such a useful and well-written article. I appreciate the clear explanations and the logical structure. It makes the topic easy to understand even for beginners. Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive and helpful post. cruise gold coast
This is such a relatable post for anyone who has travelled with kids. Long journeys can really test a parent’s patience, especially when children start getting bored or restless. I like the idea of replacing screen time with something more creative and engaging. Encouraging imagination while travelling sounds like a great way to make trips more enjoyable for both kids and parents. Looking forward to learning more about travel-friendly activities that can keep children entertained without relying on devices. Rockford IL Travel Agency