Crystal Bridges, Momentary set reopening date

by Paul Gatling ([email protected]) 1,151 views 

Bentonville arts venue the Momentary opened Feb. 22. The satellite to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a contemporary art space for visual, performing and culinary arts.

Bentonville tourism attractions Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary will reopen to the public June 10. The venues closed temporarily March 16 and March 15, respectively, due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The Momentary, a satellite to Crystal Bridges and a contemporary art space, had been open less than a month.

In a message to supporters from Crystal Bridges leaders Rod Bigelow and Lieven Bertels, both venues said new safety measures and free timed tickets are available to ensure limited attendance per state guidelines. Wearing face coverings is a state requirement for visitors ages 10 years and older, but the venues will recommend face coverings for all visitors ages at least 2 years old.

“Ever since we closed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary in mid-March, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we’ve been working on how we could safely reopen when the time was right,” the announcement said. “We know that our visitors find inspiration and respite in art, nature, and architecture, and we’ve worked diligently these past months on how to provide a safe and inspiring experience.

“We’ve been following recommendations from local, state, and national health officials, as well as discussing safety practices with other museums across the country, to develop a plan for a measured reopening that prioritizes safety. Recently, we submitted it to the State of Arkansas Department of Health, and they approved it.”

More information about safety measures, timed tickets and what to expect during reopening for Crystal Bridges here and for the Momentary here.

The announcement also acknowledged that Wednesday’s announcement comes “at a time of distress as communities around the country are calling for change.”

“We believe in the transformative power of art and we hope that you use our offerings to find comfort, spark conversation, and continue your social justice education. You can learn more about our institutional perspective here.”