
Take a walk down memory lane at the Walmart Museum inside the original 5&10 opened in downtown Bentonville in 1950. 21c Museum and Hotel adds another artful element to the Bentonville scene, with over 12,000 square feet of gallery space.Ĭome and play at the Scott Family Amazeum children's museum and be wowed by the 50,000 square feet of hands on exhibit and tinkering space. Crystal Bridges' permanent collection spans five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial era to the current day. Be sure to check out Wander for more things to see and do when you explore Arkansas, and other ideas we have for fun road trips and art destinations.While in town be sure to check out Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation. Discovering a rich arts scene in such a charming town was exactly the getaway I needed. However, I am not sad, because it means I will return and find so much more art in Bentonville, Arkansas. I know I've only scratched the surface with what I was able to see during my weekend in town. The local community shows a sense of pride in what they have created, and I cannot wait to see what Bentonville comes up with next. The Bentonville art scene might not be the first thing that comes to mind when someone dreams of an art destination, but I am so happy I discovered it.

Sitting in the middle of a field of coneflowers, two hands link and cradle a heart. The statue-located in Compton Gardens-is an especially stunning sight, particularly in the summer. Heartland by Daniel PopperĪfter reviewing the different sculptures around town, I decided to visit Heartland by artist Daniel Popper. Visit Bentonville has created a listing of public art that includes addresses of the locations so you can easily use the GPS on your phone to explore Bentonville.

Although there are several pieces right on the square itself that don't require planning to see, I knew I wanted to map out some harder-to-locate art pieces around town. Photo courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Discovering More Street Art in BentonvilleĪlthough I love an art museum, I am always inspired the most by street art and murals. View of Town Branch Creek and the south side of Crystal Bridges Museum.

I loved the square as it felt like a community where local businesses could thrive. The Bentonville square is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike as there are boutique shops, a bookstore, and restaurants. My tour started in the town square, a nostalgic city center that over the past decade has seen a revitalization. The local guides pick you up in a golf cart, providing an easy way to tour the town and see the sights. The company offers tours multiple times per day, and it conveniently starts right outside the 21C hotel. Big on Bentonville is a locally owned company that provides food tours and a general Bentonville history tour. When I travel to a new city, I like to find a local tour guide to show me the sights to get my bearings before I dive deeper on my own. Finally, I was ready to take off on foot to discover more of the art in Bentonville.

The restaurant has a relaxing vibe, and the food portions are plentiful. Enjoy a peach vanilla iced tea and a brunch menu that includes a burger with pimento cheese or French toast topped with apples and whipped cream. The menu features Southern comfort food and is an excellent reminder of the Northwest Arkansas location. Photo by Johnston Foster, courtesy of 21C Hotels The Hive restaurant at 21C Hotel in Bentonville.
