By Arkansas Black Vitality

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – March 25, 2025 –The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will begin closing parts of its sprawling campus as the northwest Arkansas cultural institution undergoes a year-long expansion that will add 114,000 square feet of new space.

Beginning this week, the museum’s Contemporary and Modern galleries will be temporarily inaccessible as it prepares a new, enriched American art experience. Some beloved Contemporary favorites are moving into what is now the Early American galleries, presenting a dynamic, integrated art experience. 

Other works will take a rest starting this week, including Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room. This experience will reopen in 2026 with the expanded museum, which will increase access to five centuries of American art through galleries, studios, dining options, event spaces, and additional space for exploring more stories of American art and learning. 

Guests can participate in our transformation throughout 2025 as the newly installed galleries open to the public upon completion, culminating with the grand reveal in 2026. “Our job is to be storytellers. I really see it that simply; to have a collection that can tell the real stories of this country and its people,” said Crystal Bridges Founder Alice Walton.

When it opens, the new wing will welcome you with studios for making your own art (including digital arts and ceramics studios); an event space where you can attend lectures, films, and performances; and a home-like lounge for gathering with family, friends, and community members.

A new Learning and Engagement Hub will further solidify the museum’s commitment to making art an integral part of everyone’s life, officials said. It will feature a new, light-filled café, Quartz & Honey, offering a menu of desserts, cocktails, and more.

“I’m excited to continue our work to expand our physical space, expand our definition of art, and ensure that visitors feel a sense of belonging at both Crystal Bridges and the Momentary,” said Crystal Museum Board Chair Olivia Walton.

Crystal Bridges is situated on a 134-acre campus featuring nature walks, outdoor sculptures, and trails that connect new buildings set to open to the public soon. Heartland Whole Health Institute will open to the public on May 1, welcoming members of the media and the community to explore this 85,000-square-foot structure that brings together architecture, art, nature, education, and wellness offerings on the 134-acre Crystal Bridges campus.

Guests will be able to enjoy a significant portion of the Crystal Bridges collection, along with the new temporary exhibition, KAWS: FAMILY, for weeks to come. Tickets to the KAWS: FAMILY exhibition are $15, and admission is free for Crystal Bridges members, SNAP participants, veterans, and individuals 25 and under. 

To follow along with Crystal Bridges’ weekly expansion progress and temporary disruptions at the museum, visit the expansion landing page and follow the museum on social media at @crystalbridgesmuseum.