The Unexpected Clash: Walmart Takes on the World of High Art in Bentonville, Arkansas

2023-09-08 04:50:29

Welcome to Walmart Versus High Art in Bentonville, Arkansas

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, nestled in Bentonville, Arkansas, showcases a stunning collection owned by the Walton family, the heirs to the retail giant, Walmart. Despite the irony of a big-box chain displaying priceless art, Crystal Bridges manages to exude an un-ironic cool factor. Indigenous, colonial, and contemporary works coexist, telling a story curated by the wealthiest family in America.

The museum, spanning centuries of work and acres of leafy landscape, showcases a blend of traditional principles and contemporary art. From Frank Lloyd Wright's house embracing spatial harmony to Dale Chihuly's colorful orbs in the main pond, the design embraces nature. The Crystal Bridges collection includes everything from early American art to iconic sculptures by Louise Bourgeois and Robert Indiana.

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The museum's roots trace back to the 1950s when Sam Walton opened a 5&10 store in Bentonville. Today, the store-turned-museum continues to espouse Walton's traditional principles. However, visitors should not be fooled by Bentonville's throwback charm. The Walton Family Foundation is actively expanding in the region, with eco-friendly corporate campuses and a holistic medical school in the works.

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The conversation between old and new is highlighted throughout the galleries. Works from different eras and cultures are placed in conversation with one another, offering a refreshing take on art history. Artists like Nari Ward engage in curatorial time travel by responding to colonial works from a contemporary perspective.

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Crystal Bridges proves that Walmart and high art can coexist. From incredible installations like Beth Lipman's "Belonging(s)" to Nari Ward's youthful take on the U.S. Constitution, the museum offers a diverse and thought-provoking experience for art enthusiasts.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art stands in a class of its own, defying expectations and bridging the gap between Walmart and high art.

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