I thought that was a great name for a museum, and one that seems to be envied and even angered by a few who feel they have lost some of their treasured art. After all, who in their right mind would put a museum with millions of dollars worth of world famous art in Arkansas of all places? Would you believe Alice Walton of Walmart fame? So what’s all the stir about? Well for starters it appears some of the more uppity in the Northeast of our fine USA are quite upset about some of their treasures disappearing right from under their noses. After all it should belong in New York or Washington shouldn’t it? How did some of the earliest highly acclaimed and valuable art pieces from Europe and around the world find their homes in the art galleries of New York and Washington? Didn’t they belong in France, England, Italy, Germany, Austria and other famous art centers? Well I do believe people in this country purchased them and brought them to the uncivilized and uncultured New World didn’t they? Now who’s accusing whom of removing fabulous art treasures from where it belongs and sending it to that remote hillbilly state of Arkansas?
So, I think you get my drift by now. I’m glad Ms. Walton, the daughter of Sam Walton, had the vision, financial means, and cultural good will to put this brand new world class art museum together for the benefit of people in Arkansas, the Southeast region and the rest of our great country. Of course, as predicted, people are already coming from around the world to make a special visit to see and enjoy the treasures and architecture where they are displayed. So, lets take a peek and see what this is all about.
Kindred Spirits by Durand
What I’m referring to is the Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art that opened on 11/11/11, and is located in Bentonville, Arkansas. The museum’s theme reflects this country’s history, culture, and some of the more famous artist’s works of our time. According to NPR (National Public Radio) it’s “The American art world’s biggest event in decades” and for a number of reasons. There are portraits of George Washington and 19th-century works by Thomas Eakins and John S. Sargent. There’s even an interesting abstract piece by artist Romare Bearden, and a 1985 Andy Warhol design of music star Dolly Parton, Rosie The Riveter original painting by Norman Rockwell, and in all, the artists’ works span five centuries. Alice Walton purchased Asher B. Durand’s highly acclaimed 1849 painting, Kindred Spirits, for a purported US$35 million dollars from the New York Public Library. She has also purchased works by American painters Charles W. Peale (George Washington), as well as art by Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper.
A Crystal Bridges Evening
Before I get too far into the art, you need to know some details about the facility itself. The designer, architect Moshe Safdie according to the CMMOAA web site, “says his design is meant to help blend the experience of the museum’s art with that of its natural surroundings.” The site is a 120 acre natural setting just off one of the cities’ parks and involves nature trails, bicycle trails, as well as the 1/3 mile paved trail to the museum called the Art Trail. The museum facilities are artistically designed and built over and around 3 different ponds with plenty of glass for open viewing. The paved trail to the museum allows ADA approved motorized wheel chairs, but no bicycles or Segways, so if you go plan on walking the 1/3 mile to get there on a paved trail unless you physically need the assisted conveniences. The complex includes galleries, classrooms, meeting rooms, restaurant, museum store, areas for outdoor concerts, and even a library. If you’re wondering about the classrooms, it’s interesting to note that art classes can be taken by all ages beginning with kindergarten, so if you’re interested in taking a group or just interested for yourself, you may want to look further. For those interested in enjoying the 6 different nature trails, there are over 3.5 miles, but note that rules are posted and enforced for each trail which can differ for each one.
The Museum’s restaurant, Eleven, offers a daily lunch service, Sunday brunch (starting in January 2012), and dinner on Wednesdays and Fridays. Picnic lunches will also be available to take out onto the Museum grounds. I reviewed the lunch menu which is interesting and reasonably priced along with a couple of vegetarian plates (or talk to your server), but conservative entrees. The dinner menu looks very good with reasonable prices and a nice variety, but also limited entrees and is available from 5 to 9. Reservations are recommended for dinner service. For reservations call 479-657-2305.
If you’re reading this before February, 2012, I’m recommending you get your tickets ahead of time through the first week of January, 2012 for a specific time of visitation because of the expected large crowds. The only day not open is Tuesday. Admission is free due to private and corporate grants. A big “Thankyou” to those entities who made this all possible, private philanthropists, and some “evil” corporate capitalists. Where would we be without them America?
Crystal Bridges From The Air
If you want to know how to get there from outside the area click here and if you have other questions you need answered try here.
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My Best, Billy Goldmark
