Bentonville, Arkansas: A Guide to the Best Museums, Gardens, and More

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a world-renowned art museum located in Bentonville, Arkansas. It was founded by Alice Walton, the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, and opened to the public in 2011. The museum is named after the Crystal Bridges that span a creek on the museum grounds.

The museum’s collection includes works by artists such as Norman Rockwell, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jasper Johns. It also features a number of special exhibitions throughout the year, which have included works by artists such as Frida Kahlo, Edward Hopper, and Winslow Homer.

In addition to the galleries, the museum also has a number of outdoor sculpture trails and a museum store. The museum is open to the public, and admission is free. It is open from 11 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays.

Crystal Bridges Website: https://crystalbridges.org/

Walmart Museum

The Walmart Museum is a history museum located in Bentonville, Arkansas that traces the history of Walmart, one of the world’s largest retailers. The museum is housed in the original Walmart store, which opened in 1962, and features a number of exhibits that explore the company’s history and impact on the global economy and society.

Visitors to the museum can see a replica of the original store, as well as a collection of vintage Walmart products and memorabilia. The museum also features interactive exhibits that showcase the company’s innovative use of technology, as well as its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

The Walmart Museum is open to the public, and admission is free. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays. The museum is located at 105 N. Main Street in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Walmart Museum Website: https://www.walmartmuseum.com/content/walmartmuseum/en_us.html

Scott Family Amazeum

The Scott Family Amazeum is an interactive children’s museum located in Bentonville, Arkansas. The museum is designed for children ages 2 to 12, and features a variety of exhibits and activities focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEM).

Exhibits at the museum include a water play area, a nature-themed play space, a construction zone, and a farm-to-table garden. The museum also offers a range of educational programs and workshops for children, including camps, field trips, and birthday parties.

The Scott Family Amazeum is open to the public, and admission fees vary depending on the age of the visitor. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 pm on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Amazeum Website: https://www.amazeum.org/

Peel Mansion and Heritage Gardens

The Peel Mansion and Heritage Gardens is a historic house museum and public garden located in Bentonville, Arkansas. The mansion was built in 1875 by Colonel Samuel West Peel, a prominent lawyer and politician, and is a fine example of Victorian-era architecture.

The mansion features a collection of antique furnishings and decorative arts, as well as a number of original architectural features such as stained glass windows and elaborate plasterwork. The mansion is open to the public for guided tours, which are offered on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

The gardens surrounding the mansion cover 12 acres and feature a variety of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as a number of outdoor sculptures and other decorative elements. The gardens are open to the public from dawn until dusk, seven days a week.

The Peel Mansion and Heritage Gardens is a popular venue for special events, such as weddings and corporate functions. It is owned and operated by the Bentonville Parks and Recreation Department.

Peel Mansion Website: https://www.peelcompton.org/spaces/visit-peel/

Compton Gardens and Conference Center

Compton Gardens and Conference Center is a public garden and event venue located in Bentonville, Arkansas. The garden covers 20 acres and features a variety of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as a number of outdoor sculptures and other decorative elements. It is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and photography.

In addition to the gardens, the Compton Gardens and Conference Center also has a conference center that hosts events and meetings. The conference center has a number of flexible spaces, including a ballroom, meeting rooms, and a patio. It is a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

The Compton Gardens and Conference Center is open to the public, and admission to the gardens is free. It is open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week. The conference center is open during events, and reservations are required. It is located at 312 N. Main Street in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Compton Gardens Website: https://www.peelcompton.org/spaces/visit-compton-gardens/