Home / Arts and Entertainment / Crystal Bridges Unveils Major Expansion
Crystal Bridges Unveils Major Expansion
4 Jun
Summary
- Museum expansion adds 114,000 square feet, increasing footprint by 50%.
- Features rare 3D works by artist Keith Haring, including sculptures and a car.
- Permanent collection rehung thematically, moving beyond traditional encyclopedic displays.
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, has inaugurated a substantial 114,000-square-foot expansion, enhancing its campus by fifty percent. This new addition, designed by Safdie Architects, seamlessly integrates into the Ozark landscape. The expansion features nearly five miles of trails connecting three new pavilions, offering an enriched visitor experience.
A significant highlight of the expansion is the exhibition "Keith Haring in 3D," showcasing the artist's lesser-known three-dimensional works, including sculptures and a customized vehicle. The museum's permanent collection has also been entirely rehung. It now features a thematic arrangement across five sections—We, Dreaming, Nature, Making Our Mark, and We the People—moving away from traditional encyclopedic displays.
Founded by Alice Walton, the museum continues its free admission policy. The expansion aims to further solidify Bentonville's identity beyond its Walmart origins, contributing to what is known as the 'Bentonville Effect.' The museum has attracted approximately 15 million visitors since its opening in 2011.
