Crystal Bridges: A Museum for the 21st Century

We have developed museums to safeguard our heritage, and to collect, preserve, and interpret examples of our creative expression for future generations. Once rarified repositories, they are changing, transforming into spaces for interactive experience. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, is at the forefront of this movement. Opened to tremendous acclaim in 2011 and attracting record numbers of visitors, the museum integrates the power of art with the beauty of the surrounding landscape to create a holistic environment. Crystal Bridges founding director and president Don Bacigalupi discusses the philosophy that drives this innovative institution and guides us on a virtual tour of architect Moshe Safdie's extraordinary glass-and-wood design, the collection it houses, and its stunning natural setting.

This annual lecture recognizes a generous multiyear grant from the Terra Foundation for American Art. The Terra Foundation is dedicated to fostering the exploration, understanding, and enjoyment of the visual arts in the United States for national and international audiences.