I have been anxious to see the new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in the heart of the Ozarks ever since it opened a couple of years ago.
A magical tree in front of the drive/entrance to the museum
Not only is the art collection supposed to be magnificent, but the architecture and nature scape of the complex has been reported as stellar.
The entrance to the grounds of Crystal Bridges
This week I got my chance.
The approach to Crystal Bridges
On our way to Texas to see My Beloved Brit’s ex-pat niece play tennis, we detoured to Bentonville, Arkansas to see Crystal Bridges, founded by the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Alice Walton. It was officially opened on the 11th of November 2011. It is the first major museum to open in the United States since 1974. Over $317 million of the project’s cost has been donated by Alice Walton.
From the museum exhibition space, even in the rain, it’s magical.
Nested into a natural ravine in the middle of a forest, the complex was designed by architect Moshe Safdie “…to both complement and counterpoint the surrounding landscape.”
The springwater of the stream actually runs around and through the glass and copper bridges that stretch over the ponds. Lovely.
The Crystal Bridges art collection spans the many decades of American art, offering an expansive overview of masters as well as lesser-known works from the Colonial era to contemporary work.
Mary Cassatt “Summertime”
There were many wonderful surprises. I really loved the balance and scope of the collection.
Tom Uttech, “Enassamishhinjijweian”
It really does have a nice range of some of the very best artists in America. Very impressive considering how new the museum is.
Fairfield Porter’s “October Interior”
Robert Henri’s “Jessica Penn in Black with White Plumes” dominates this room
Quite a day and worth the detour.
Neil G. Welliver “Snow on Alden Brook”. Someone visiting my studio once compared my branches series to Welliver. I was honored when I looked up his work.
One of my heroes, Joan Mitchell
William Merritt Chase–an incredible layering of paint and texture
I saw pieces I had never seen before, yet felt so familiar, like Will Barnet’s…
There is sculpture both inside the museum and outdoors along the trails.
And the museum begins and ends at a charming restaurant/cafe with amazing views of the autumn landscape.
I knew that was just where I would find My Beloved Brit, relaxing with a coffee waiting patiently for me to return…I tend to take a bit more time walking through the galleries than he does.
All photos by me.