$7M grant keeps Crystal Bridges admission free through 2028
by August 20, 2023 8:39 am 1,322 views
Founded by philanthropist and Walmart Inc. heir Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges has welcomed nearly 11 million visitors since opening in November 2011, with no admission cost. Photo by Stephen Ironside
A $7 million grant from the Walmart Foundation, the charitable arm of Walmart Inc., will ensure free general admission for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art visitors through at least 2028.
Museum officials announced the gift on July 31. The funding will also support operations at the Momentary, a Crystal Bridges satellite featuring contemporary arts and an entertainment venue. Both sites are in Bentonville.
“We’re grateful for the Walmart Foundation’s commitment to making art accessible to the people of the Heartland and beyond,” said Rod Bigelow, executive director and chief diversity & inclusion officer at Crystal Bridges. “With their support, we can continue to expand access to Crystal Bridges and the Momentary, and welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. This wouldn’t be possible without the Walmart Foundation’s consistent generosity.”
Founded by philanthropist and Walmart heir Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges has welcomed nearly 11 million visitors since opening in November 2011, with no admission cost.
Walmart Inc. gave a $20 million gift to support free admission in 2011. The retailer gave another $3 million for the same purpose in 2017.
A construction project to add 100,000 square feet to the museum’s existing 200,000-square-foot footprint is ongoing. It’s expected to be completed by 2024.
The Momentary, which opened in February 2020, was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of brothers Tom and Steuart Walton and Tom’s wife, Olivia.