The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, is set to open its extensive new expansion on June 6. Designed by Safdie Architects, the 144,000-square-foot addition increases the museum’s footprint by 50%, offering new galleries, art studios, educational spaces, a café, and community gathering areas. This expansion aims to deepen connections to art, architecture, and nature.
Community Engagement and Educational Opportunities
Executive Director Rod Bigelow emphasized the museum’s commitment to serving both the local community and visitors from across the country. “This expansion dramatically broadens how we can serve our community and the country through spaces to gather, explore, and discover,” Bigelow stated. The museum’s focus on community connection is evident in its new spaces designed for classrooms, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
The opening celebration, scheduled for June 6 and 7, is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. Events will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring live music, dance performances, wellness activities, and interactive art-making experiences. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early due to expected large crowds and to bring water bottles, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the expanded campus.
Artistic Highlights and New Exhibitions
The expansion includes the debut of ‘Artland’ by internationally acclaimed artist Do Ho Suh, an immersive exhibition where guests can participate in building a creative world using Crayola Model Magic clay. Additionally, the museum will showcase ‘Keith Haring in 3D,’ the first exhibition focused on the artist’s three-dimensional works, including sculptures, masks, and more.
Alice Walton, a key figure behind the museum, shared her vision for the expansion, stating, “I knew this had to be world-class. It had to be the very best that it could possibly be because part of the goal was to help elevate the way people view their home state and their home region.”
The Crystal Bridges Museum continues to celebrate the American spirit through its diverse range of artists and exhibitions, making it a place of joy and learning for all ages.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
