Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art / Bentonville, AR

On Saturday, 25-FEB, Rosie and I drove from HSV to Bentonville, AR, to see the newly opened Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art funded by one of Sam Walton descendants, Alice.  As a short overview, we both agree the facility is well done and very impressive.  As you approach the Museum, a large metallic tree grabs your attention; it probably has a name, but don't ask me!

Here are a couple of pictures from around the Museum.

The Museum is built around a pool.  This give you a sense of "floating on water" as you walk through the various displays.  It was designed to become part of the natural environment, a la Frank Lloyd Wright.

The art styles are grouped (e.g. classical, impressionistic, abstract, etc.) so it's easy to see the changes and contrast from one style to the next.  This was fun and interesting to see.  We got a few shots of our favorites from the Museum.  We had to take a picture of Rosie with Norman Rockwell's "Rosie the Riveter."

We also liked the abstract horse.  It appears to be made of wood, but it's actually bronze.

This rendition of the Last Supper was really neat.  First, the picture is actually upside down.  You have to look through a small viewer in front to flip the picture.

Next - the scene is done entirely with different color spools of thread.  This close-up shows the individual spools.  Is that cool or what?

The Museum also has multiple clearly marked walking trails.  Some of the trails also have art exhibits beside the paths.  Here's some bronze work of a pig and hungry bear.

 

These trails will be outstanding in the Spring and Fall.  We hope to return just to walk the trails.

We can highly recommend the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - especially to art aficionados.  However, even if you're not an art fan, the building itself is worth the trip.  Importantly - your visit to the Museum is free.  Enjoy!