Crystal Bridges names galleries and community spaces in recognition of leading supporters of museum expansion
Philanthropic support advances access, curatorial excellence, collection growth and community programming
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges announced the naming of several galleries and community spaces within its newly expanded campus, recognizing donors whose support is helping shape the museum’s next chapter. The spaces are part of the museum’s 114,000-square-foot expansion, designed by Safdie Architects, which nearly doubled Crystal Bridges’ gallery space, creating new possibilities for exhibitions, scholarship, learning and community gathering.
“The generosity of these donors is helping shape what Crystal Bridges can be for generations to come,” said Jill Wagar, senior director, Crystal Bridges, and director of the Momentary. “Their support strengthens every aspect of our mission, from expanding access to art and advancing scholarship to growing our collection and creating meaningful experiences for our community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and shared belief in the power of art to inspire, connect and enrich lives.”
The Johnny Mike Walker Gallery, named in recognition of support from the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, reflects the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to removing barriers to arts access. Its support provides free admission to Crystal Bridges’ temporary exhibitions for visitors ages 25 and under, veterans, active-duty military and SNAP recipients. Building on Crystal Bridges’ commitment to free general admission and the Foundation’s previous support of school visits, the gift advances a shared vision of making the museum an accessible destination where young people feel a lasting sense of connection and belonging.
The Candace P. and W. Michael Humphreys Gallery recognizes the Humphreys’ continued commitment to growing and strengthening the museum’s collection. Their acquisitions fund will help bring important new works and perspectives into the collection, building on their longstanding philanthropy and recent gift of more than 200 works of art. The gallery is located within the museum’s Foundations of American Art galleries.
The Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr Gallery recognizes their support of Crystal Bridges’ endowed Curatorial Excellence Fund, given in honor of Alice Walton’s vision and impact. Their gift provides enduring resources for curatorial research and scholarship, collaborations with artists and peer institutions, and professional development. By investing in its curators and their ideas, the fund will help Crystal Bridges continue to deepen its scholarship and bring new perspectives to audiences.
The David Booth and Heather Pesanti Gallery recognizes support directed toward Crystal Bridges’ general operating funds. Their gift will help sustain the museum’s ongoing work and provide resources across its exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs and visitor experience.
The Walmart for Good Community Lounge, located within the Hub, recognizes Walmart’s support for programming and activities. Fondly envisioned as a “community living room,” the space is designed to bring together individuals from across the region to connect, volunteer, learn, and stay curious. As a welcoming place for gathering and discovery, the Community Lounge will create new opportunities for people to engage with one another, Crystal Bridges and the broader community.
These named spaces reflect the collective role philanthropy plays in ensuring that Crystal Bridges remains accessible, ambitious and responsive to its community. Through long-term investments in access, scholarship, acquisitions, programming and operations, each donor is helping the museum share a fuller and more inclusive story of American art with generations to come.
About Crystal Bridges
The mission of Crystal Bridges is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 15 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by philanthropist Alice Walton. The museum’s expansive collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions and five miles of trails featuring public art installations from prominent artists.
The museum is nestled on 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned Safdie Architects. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities, and is the home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program. Some 558,375 school children have participated in the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools.
Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails. In February 2020, the museum opened the Momentary in Downtown Bentonville (507 SE E Street), a venue for the music, art, and food of our time. Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public June 6 and 7, 2026, allowing the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.
