BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville hasn't been open even two years but the northwest Arkansas hot spot is about to welcome its 1 millionth visitor.
When it opened on Nov. 11, 2011, museum organizers expected between 150,000 and 300,000 visitors per year. The first year brought in 650,000 patrons, lured in part by free admission to the museum's regular collection.
Organizers say they expect the 1 millionth visitor to go through the turnstiles this week.
The museum in Bentonville was founded and funded by Walmart heiress Alice Walton. Since its opening, Bentonville's downtown square has blossomed and the museum has been rated highly in various tourism guides.
Crystal Bridges collection includes art from colonial times to the present day.
