Thursday, November 10, 2011

A treasure, indeed.

It is a rare occasion that hype measures up to my expectations.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is another story altogether. It is spectacular in every way.
We had the opportunity to tour the museum last night during the member preview, and it’s all I’ve thought about ever since. What this museum means for our community. What it means to the art world. What it means to me personally and to our B&B. It will simply change everything.
 We’ve been watching the construction progress since the museum was announced in 2005, and we’ve walked the trails almost daily since we moved into Laughlin House. The overlook is always the first place I take my family.  Until now it’s just been a teaser – a nice little walk down a beautiful trail to a wooden deck with a view of the rumbling activity in the ravine. We’ve watched the massive cranes move the steel beams from one side of the gully to the other, mesmerized, like watching fish in an aquarium. We’ve had to content ourselves with telling our friends and family, “it’s coming.” We’ve sounded  like a broken record.  
My friends, there is truly a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Pure gold. The museum is an awe-inspiring space -- from the masterpieces in the galleries to the walls of glass facing the beautiful ravine walls, to the meandering landscaped and sculpture-filled trails leading there. The works in the galleries and on the grounds are completely accessible to the crowd. You can stand literally centimeters from some of the most valuable pieces of art in the world. You can see every crackle, every brushstroke, every dimple. You’re allowed to take pictures (non-flash, of course). You can fully experience the work, short of touching it. And it's all free, thanks to Walmart. (But don't forget, you have to reserve tickets. See my last post for details.)
I can’t claim to know too much about art yet, but having a world-class museum in my backyard, I can assure you, will quickly change that. I cannot wait to go back.
If you haven’t scheduled your trip yet, go.   Oh, and be sure to book a room at Laughlin House.