By Debi Lander
mail@floridanewsline.com
If you were a billionaire, what would you do with your money? Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is one of the richest women in the world. She decided to collect American art and build a museum to showcase it in her hometown, Bentonville, Arkansas. The little city in the Ozark Mountains has a population of around 55,000. Alice Walton wanted to make great works of American art accessible to the public, particularly in a region that lacked major cultural institutions. Her vision was not just about housing art but creating a space where art and nature coexist harmoniously.
She succeeded! The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is like no other art gallery I’ve toured; it’s a really stunning and fun space. I found attractive wood and glass buildings surrounded by ponds that bring the outdoors in. Walkers and bikers enjoy five miles of trails on 120 acres, including outdoor sculptures.
I wandered through five centuries of galleries featuring masterpieces like Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter, Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting White Flower, which was purchased in 2014 for $44.4 million, Chihuly glass chandeliers, and Andy Warhol pop art. I entered the “Infinity Mirrored Room,” being thrown off balance by dancing spots of light and reflections. Best of all, the museum is free.
A visit to the world-class Crystal Bridges Museum would be enough to bring one to Bentonville, but downtown offers much more. The Momentary, a former cheese factory, houses an extension of more contemporary art installations. These provocative and whimsical pieces are shown on a rotating basis. The Momentary also includes a coffee house, a Tower Bar with the city’s best views, and live music performances.
I also visited the Museum of Native American History (MONAH), founded by David Bogle, a member of the Cherokee Nation. The museum aims to preserve and promote an understanding of Native American cultures from prehistoric times to the present through artifacts, textiles, and artworks. I especially liked a collection of historic handmade dolls and the Hopi tribe’s Kachina figures.
Bentonville holds Walmart’s headquarters, so naturally, you’ll find the Walmart Museum. Located in Sam Walton’s original 5 & 10 store on the town square, the museum chronicles Walmart’s rise from a single-dime store to a global retail giant. The Interactive exhibits, a hologram of Sam, and historical artifacts provide a likable experience. End your visit with a treat from the old-fashioned soda fountain. To me, Bentonville’s main square resembled a Normal Rockwell painting of a typical small American town.
Bentonville, known as the Mountain Bike Capital of the World, offers cyclists the impressive Coler Mountain Bike Preserve and Slaughter Pen Trails. Find umpteen miles of trails from beginner to expert.
Bentonville played a significant role in the Civil War, culminating in the Battle of Bentonville, one of the largest battles fought in the state. Visitors can explore the Pea Ridge National Military Park and the Benton County Courthouse, which served as a Union hospital during the war.
I spent one night (not enough) at the 21c Museum Hotel in the heart of Bentonville, within easy walking distance of the attractions and restaurants. This boutique establishment blends an immersive modern art experience with luxury accommodations. I found life-size green penguins, the hotel trademark, scattered about. Placing one outside a door or elevator lets you make another traveler laugh. Breakfast in the Hive restaurant was outstanding.
I’d never heard of Bentonville or been to Arkansas before my recent trip (combined with Little Rock), but I can honestly say I’d love to return. I’d spend more time in the museums and enjoy the small-town feel and fine restaurants.
If you go: Visitbentonville.com
Visit www.bylandersea.com to read more of local travel writer Debi Lander’s stories and travel tips.
Photo courtesy Debi Lander
Downtown Bentonville.
