Crystal Bridges to Create New, Integrated Spaces With Expansion

A new bridge will connect two galleries, as seen in this artist's rendering, looking toward the Crystal Bridges cafe and natural surroundings.

In spring of 2021 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art revealed plans for an expansion that will grow the acclaimed Bentonville Museum by 100,000 SF and increase its size by 50%.

Safdie Architects, which completed the museum’s original, 200,000-SF design, is creating the integrated expansion that will house additional galleries, educational facilities, event spaces, a cafe and new indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.

The project has been in the design development phase and construction was scheduled to begin early in 2022. A reconfigured main lobby and courtyard were completed in May.

Project details include:

• A 65% increase in gallery space to allow for two new galleries and add to the existing space for temporary exhibits and create new space for community displays.
• Addition of more educational spaces and a floor with community gathering areas, art studios, creative spaces and flexible facilities.
• A new bridge connecting two galleries that could serve as non-traditional space for art that is not sensitive to light. With floor-to-ceiling views of natural surroundings, it will offer spaces for reflection and gathering and include the new cafe.
• A circular event plaza that will add opportunities for outdoor community programming and performances.

Crystal Bridges and Safdie Architects are working with Coen+Partners Landscape Architects to develop dedicated outdoor spaces and enhancements to the existing network of surrounding trails and art encounters. Buro Happold has returned as the structural, façade and MEP engineer of the project, continuing the collaboration on the series of interconnected pavilions that bridge, surround and create the ponds that are part of the museum’s design mix of modern structures and natural surroundings.

Since opening in 2011, Crystal Bridges has earned national acclaim and become a go-to tourism destination. More than 5 million visitors have come to take in the artwork and walking trails situated on 120 acres.

The museum opened with approximately 1,500 artworks spanning five centuries of American art and has since more than doubled its collection and presented more than 60 exhibitions.