Beyond the Horizon: Crystal Bridges and The Momentary Chart a Daring Course for 2026

Well, get ready to mark your calendars, because something truly special is brewing in Bentonville, Arkansas. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and its contemporary sibling, The Momentary, have just pulled back the curtain on their ambitious 2026 exhibition schedules. And honestly, it’s a lineup that promises to be nothing short of spectacular, charting a course through history, culture, and some pretty urgent contemporary dialogues. It feels like a real moment for the region, doesn’t it?

Kicking things off at Crystal Bridges in the spring of 2026, we’ll see "Fashioning America: A Story of Art and Style." Now, this isn't just about pretty clothes; it’s an ambitious dive into how American fashion, from the 18th century right up to today, has shaped – and been shaped by – our nation's identity. Imagine over a hundred objects, loaned from institutions across the country, weaving a rich tapestry of creativity and cultural shifts. It's a chance, you could say, to see history literally dressed up and on display.

Then, as autumn leaves begin to turn, Crystal Bridges will pivot to "The Great American Landscape." This particular exhibition looks set to be a sweeping visual journey, exploring how artists, through their various canvases and creations, have profoundly influenced our understanding and appreciation of the American landscape itself. It promises to draw from the museum's own incredible permanent collection, alongside significant loans, to tell a story of land, art, and national imagination. A grand, perhaps even slightly romantic, vision of our continent.

Meanwhile, just down the road, The Momentary — ever the trailblazer for cutting-edge contemporary work — has its own compelling story to tell. Spring 2026 will bring us "From the Earth to the Sky: New Works by Tomás Saraceno." This is a big one. Saraceno, an Argentinian artist known for his breathtaking, often interactive installations, invites us to think deeply about our relationship with the air, climate, and, crucially, sustainability. His work often blurs the lines between art, architecture, and science, creating experiences that are both visually stunning and intellectually challenging. You just know this will be immersive.

And for the fall, The Momentary will host "Nick Cave: The Tondo Project." If you’re familiar with Cave's work – his "Soundsuits," for instance – you know he doesn't shy away from powerful statements. This exhibition will feature a new series of large-scale textile tondos. And what are tondos, you ask? Circular works of art, often painted or sculpted. But in Cave’s hands, these textile creations will delve into themes of racial identity, the agonizing impact of gun violence, and the raw, complex landscape of trauma. It’s art that doesn't just decorate a space; it confronts, it questions, it seeks dialogue on some of the most pressing social justice issues of our time. A necessary conversation, I’d say.

So, there you have it. 2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for art lovers in Bentonville and beyond. From the intricate stitches of American fashion to the vastness of our landscapes, from urgent environmental questions to profound social reckonings, these institutions aren't just putting on shows; they're inviting us into a deeper, richer conversation about what it means to be human, and what it means to live in this world, right now. It's an exciting prospect, truly.