One of the finest American art museums in the world is right here in Arkansas—but did you know that a record breaking painting hangs there? Have you walked the trails and seen the extent of the grounds? Here’s a list of fascinating facts about one of Arkansas’s most appealing attractions:

1. It’s free for the whole family!
Flickr/Gordon
Admission cost: Nope. Nada. Zilch. Nothing. Thanks, Walton Family Foundation.
2. The museum is estimated to have cost $1.2 billion.
Flickr/Walmart
About $317 million was donated by Alice Walton. That’s her on the left. She also heads the board of directors.
3. The architect who designed the buildings is world famous.
Flickr/Stefan Krakowski
His name is Moshe Safdie and he’s amazing.
4. There’s an app for that.
Flickr/jeshoots.com
Seriously, you can download an app for a self-guided walking tour of the museum.
5. The library has 50,000 art reference materials.
Pixabay/Arno_M
There’s also a digital library!
6. It sits on 120 acres.
Flickr/Brad Holt
And oh! Those walking trails!

Related Stories

Entering This Enchanting Arkansas Castle Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairy Tale

Entering This Enchanting Arkansas Castle Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairy Tale

 You Aren't Seeing Triple, These Three Arkansas Chapels Are Remarkably Similar

You Aren't Seeing Triple, These Three Arkansas Chapels Are Remarkably Similar

 13 Abandoned Buildings In Arkansas That Could Easily Be From Horror Films

13 Abandoned Buildings In Arkansas That Could Easily Be From Horror Films
7. There are sculptures on the walking trails.
Flickr/Doug Wertman
8. The restaurant there is actually pretty amazing.
Flickr/C-Monster
9. The Tyson Scholars in American Art is an art history residency program at Crystal Bridges.
Flickr/Richard
Endowed by the Tyson family and Tyson foods, the scholars have access to all the resources of Crystal Bridges. Housing and office space is available to the scholars who study there.
10. The Reese Teacher Fellowship helps high school teachers combine art with other subjects.
Flickr/University of Central Arkansas
Teachers get to stay and work at Crystal Bridges for a month. They have access to the special collections, and the library at Crystal Bridges. The primary focus is on developing creative ways to use art to teach other core subjects.
11. There is work by Andy Warhol in the permanent collection.
Flickr/Alejandro Hermoso
12. Georgia O’Keeffe’s Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1 also lives there, and it holds a world record.
Wikipedia/Alfred Stieglitz - Phillips
It was purchased for a record breaking $44.4 million. That makes it the most expensive painting ever painted by a woman.
13. We can’t forget about Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter.
Flickr/Richard

 

Have you visited the museum yet? Let us know what you think about it in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Arkansas