Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

One of the most amazing cultural venues in the Midwest is Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. We are lucky that this gem is located less than an hour from our home so we get to visit often. Admission to the museum is free, which is an added bonus!  When visiting, make sure to check out the beauty of the building itself which was designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. 

The museum has a large, permanent collection of American art spanning five centuries. One of my favorite pieces in the permanent collection is Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter. The museum also has a nice permanent collection of sculptures in an outdoor sculpture garden, including this giant stainless steel tree. 

This week, we had the pleasure of visiting the State of the Art Exhibit which I highly recommend to anyone--even my six year old loved it. But hurry, the exhibit ends on January 19, 2015. 

The exhibit represents new artists that are innovative and creative and who use a variety of mediums from paperback books to tapestries. Several pieces are interactive and allow you to become part of the artwork. My husband was very excited that there was an interactive piece that let him select records from the 1960s to play on an old hi-fi while my son loved the piece that allowed him to climb inside a kaleidoscope and the crocheted hallway. 

The museum is situated on 120 acres that has beautiful trails and nature areas. The trail system meanders along a natural spring that runs on the property and that feeds the pools and streams.  

Recommendations: 
1) Take a picnic lunch to enjoy after a hike/walk on the beautiful trails. 
2) Family photos taken on the trails are gorgeous during just about any season so make sure to take your camera. 
3) Check the museum website or Facebook page to check their calendar of events. They often have concerts, art classes, and activities for kids. 
4) Visit the museum shop where you can find amazing presents for yourself or a loved one. 
5) There is a nice park nearby if you have kids that want to play on actual park equipment. There is even a skate/bmx bike park. 
6) In August, 2015, a new science center called Amazeum will open next to the museum!

The next big exhibit (starting in February) will be Van Gogh to Rothko: Masterworks from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. 
Trail map