BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and its sister venue, the Momentary, have revealed an ambitious slate of exhibitions for 2025, showcasing the breadth of American culture through the lens of sports, music, and visual art. From explorations of beloved cultural icons to interactive experiences, the year promises a vibrant journey through the American spirit.

KAWS: FAMILY
March 15 – July 28, 2025

This spring, Crystal Bridges will host KAWS: FAMILY, a highly anticipated exhibition spotlighting KAWS’ iconic characters. With works spanning paintings, sculptures, and altered advertisements, the exhibition captures the emotional nuances of human connections. Curated by Julian Cox of the Art Gallery of Ontario and Crystal Bridges’ Alejo Benedetti, KAWS: FAMILY builds on its Canadian debut to create a distinctly Arkansas experience.

Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture
September 12, 2025 – January 26, 2026

In the fall, sports and art collide in Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture. This exhibition will celebrate sports as a cultural force, connection iconic moments with the broader human experience. Highlights include tributes to Billie Jean King’s Battle of the Sexes, Diana Nyad’s record-breaking swim, and Kobe Bryant’s enduring legacy.

As Crystal Bridges undergoes a transformative expansion, the museum will unveil new galleries, education spaces, and art installations. Visitors in 2025 will witness the evolution of exhibition spaces, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of how art is curated and reimagined. The new facilities, part of a broader Art + Wellness Campus, is set to open in 2026, enhancing the museum’s commitment to integrating art, nature, and community engagement.

The Momentary

The Momentary continues to bridge music and visual art with bold exhibitions in 2025:

• The Prison Concerts: Folsom and San Quentin
  May 24 – October 12, 2025
  Featuring Jim Marshall’s legendary photographs, this exhibition captures Johnny Cash’s historic prison performances, showcasing the powerful connection between music and social advocacy.
  
• Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul
  May 24 – October 12, 2025
  Larry Hulst’s extraordinary photography chronicles three decades of electrifying live music, from Janis Joplin to Lauryn Hill, offering viewers a front-row seat to the golden age of rock, blues, and soul.
  
• The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR’s Printing Press
  May 24, 2025 – June 7, 2026
  This interactive installation invites visitors to step inside an oversized printing press to create their own one-of-a-kind prints, merging personal creativity with JR’s innovative artmaking process.

Crystal Bridges and the Momentary continue to redefine cultural engagement in the heart of America. With free general admission and a commitment to accessibility, these venues offer a welcoming space for art, music, and community connection. As they expand their physical footprint and curatorial horizons, the institutions remain steadfast in celebrating the diverse stories that shape the American experience.

For more details, visit CrystalBridges.org and theMomentary.org.