Crystal Bridges announces opening date
BENTONVILLE, Ark., November 18, 2010 –During an update today on the progress of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art at the monthly meeting of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission, Don Bacigalupi, Crystal Bridges’ executive director, announced that the Museum will open to the public on Friday, November 11, 2011. The announcement took place at the Doubletree Guest Suites and Convention Center in Bentonville. Numerous regional leaders were in attendance.
Founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation, Crystal Bridges is positioned to play a major role in Northwest Arkansas’ continued economic and cultural expansion. The Museum will serve the region’s residents as well as draw visitors from around the nation and the world.
About Crystal Bridges
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of landscape. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting and preserving outstanding works that illuminate our heritage and artistic possibilities.
The Museum takes its name from a nearby natural spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building design by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A series of pavilions nestled around two creek-fed ponds will house galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, and a large, glass-enclosed gathering hall. Visitor amenities also include a café on a glass-enclosed bridge overlooking the ponds and a Marlon Blackwell designed museum store. Sculpture and walking trails will link the Museum’s 120-acre park and gardens to downtown Bentonville, Arkansas.
Crystal Bridges is currently building its permanent collection through the efforts of its professional staff as well as important gifts from private collectors such as Alice Walton and others. The collection features American masterworks dating from the Colonial era to contemporary times and will be on view to the public year-round. The Museum also will display a changing array of special exhibitions featuring art from museums and collections throughout the region, the nation and abroad.
