21c Museum Bentonville is a free contemporary-art museum that happens to be attached to a boutique hotel — and it’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. With thousands of square feet of rotating exhibitions by living artists (and the museum’s signature roving green penguin sculptures turning up around the building), it’s one of the most accessible art experiences in downtown Bentonville.
About 21c Bentonville
Part of the 21c Museum Hotels family, the Bentonville location pairs a hotel with a genuine contemporary-art museum that’s free and open to the public around the clock. The 12,000-plus square feet of gallery space features rotating, thought-provoking exhibitions of 21st-century art, and the museum offers free guided tours. Keep an eye out for the little green penguins — the brand’s playful mascots that get moved around the galleries and public spaces (visitors love hunting for them).
Visiting
- Admission: Free, open to everyone (you don’t need to be a hotel guest).
- Hours: Open 24/7, year-round — a rare option for a late-night or early-morning art walk.
- Free guided tours are offered on a regular schedule.
- Great for: Art lovers, a quick downtown culture stop, and families hunting the green penguins.
21c sits right in downtown Bentonville, an easy walk from the square and the city’s other museums. (Note: the on-site restaurant is a separate business — for dining recommendations around Bentonville, see NWA Food.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 21c Museum free?
Yes. The contemporary-art galleries are free and open to the public, and you don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit.
What are 21c’s hours?
The museum is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with free guided tours offered on a regular schedule.
What’s with the green penguins?
The green penguins are 21c’s signature art mascots. They’re moved around the galleries and public spaces, and spotting them is a fun tradition for visitors.
Location & Directions
- Address: 200 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712
- Admission: Free | Hours: 24/7
Back to Museums in Bentonville or Things to Do in Bentonville.