Frank Lloyd Wright House on Crystal Bridges Grounds to Open Nov. 11
 Updated: 

The long-awaited opening of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is finally here. It opens to the public Nov. 11, the 4th anniversary of Crystal Bridges’ opening.

In 2014, Crystal Bridges announced the acquisition of a rare Frank Lloyd Wright house originally built in 1954 along the Millstone River in New Jersey. Since then, the house has been disassembled, transported 1,200 miles across the country, and meticulously reconstructed on the grounds of the museum. (See videos of the process here.)

The house is now situated a short distance from the museum, along the trails, with views overlooking the native woodlands and Crystal Spring. The Frank Lloyd Wright house grounds are generously sponsored by P. Allen Smith, Superior Automotive, Harrison and Rhonda French Family, Meza Harris, and the Tartaglino Richards Family Foundation.

Bachman-Wilson House in New Jersy

Known as the Bachman-Wilson House, the home was threatened by repeated flooding at its original location. The previous owners, architect/designer duo Lawrence and Sharon Tarantino, determined that relocating the house was the best option for preservation. After their multi-year search, Crystal Bridges acquired the house in 2013, and the house arrived in Northwest Arkansas in April of 2014.  CBS Sunday Morning captured the epic journey in a story that aired in June of 2015.

Like the museum, there is no admission charge to tour the house. It is open during the same hours as the museum’s art galleries. The museum’s goal is to provide as much access to the house as possible while being responsible stewards of the house at the same time.

“To that end, we will welcome visitors to see the house on their own with general admission, or take a guided tour. Because of the intimate size of the house, we are requiring reservations to enter, while the grounds around the house will be accessible without a ticket,” explained Crystal Bridges Chief Engagement Officer Niki Stewart.

Beginning Nov. 2, tickets may be reserved online or by calling 479-657-2335. Crystal Bridges’ members will have an opportunity to preview the house in advance of the public opening. Member preview tickets may be reserved in person at Guest Services or by calling the Member Priority Line at 479-418-5728. Preview tickets are not available online.

In a press release, Crystal Bridges Executive Director Rod Bigelow said, “We are excited to share this historic object that embodies our mission to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites art and nature. As the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in Arkansas, it enhances our region’s offerings with unique engagement opportunities for schools, families, and individuals with an interest in architecture, all at no cost to the public.”

The museum is located at 600 Museum Way. To learn more about the Frank Lloyd Wright house, visit the Crystal Bridges website. For updates, follow Crystal Bridges on the Blog, Facebook or Twitter #CBArchitecture #CrystalBridges.

Frank Lloyd Wright House Hours:

Monday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Closed