Almost a decade after opening its doors, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has revealed plans for a major expansion that will increase the size of the current facilities by 50 percent.

• Old flame: Safdie Architects completed the original design for the museum and has returned to create a seamlessly integrated expansion that resonates with the existing pavilions and outdoor spaces. New structures will house additional galleries, educational facilities, event spaces, a café, and new indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.

• Quote: “It’s wonderful to see how our community, our region, and travelers to Bentonville from across the nation and around the world have embraced Crystal Bridges, and enjoyed the experience of being surrounded by art, nestled in nature, and immersed in Moshe Safdie’s architecture,” said Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges founder and board chairperson.

• Timeline: The project is currently in the design development phase. Construction will commence in early 2022 with the goal of completing construction in 2024. As a precursor to the expansion, a reconfigured main lobby and courtyard, also designed by Safdie Architects, will be completed in May 2021.

Read the full statement HERE.