CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM
Located in the southern region of the Ozark Mountains in
Bentonville, Arkansas, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Alice
Walton whose father Sam Walton created the Walmart stores, explores the continuously
unfolding history of America through collecting and exhibiting outstanding
works of art that illuminate the American artistic heritage which enriches the
understanding and appreciation of American history and culture.
Set on 120 acres of native Ozark forest, with 3.5 miles of included walking trails, Crystal Bridges’
grounds are surrounded by an environment which enhances the “museum experience”. The Museum’s breathtaking and distinctive
architecture designed by internationally renowned architect Moshe Saftie incorporates
the topographical elements, immersing visitors in the landscape.
To this picturesque setting recently has been added the
Bachman-Wilson House, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright who was known
throughout his career for creating structures which incorporate and showcase the
surrounding natural environment.
In 1954, architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed a house in
the “Usonian” style along the Millstone River in New Jersey for Gloria Bachman
Wilson and Abraham Wilson.
The word “Usonian”
was derived from an abbreviation of “United States of North America”. Wright embraced this term as the name
for a distinctly American and “democratic” style of residential architecture which he had developed during the Great Depression. Compared to his highly customized homes, these were simpler, lower-cost houses designed to be within the reach of the average middle-class American family, without sacrificing quality. Approximately 120 Usonian homes were built.
for a distinctly American and “democratic” style of residential architecture which he had developed during the Great Depression. Compared to his highly customized homes, these were simpler, lower-cost houses designed to be within the reach of the average middle-class American family, without sacrificing quality. Approximately 120 Usonian homes were built.
Known as the Bachman-Wilson House for the Wilsons and also
Gloria Wilson's brother, Marvin Bachman who was an apprentice to Wright, the
house was subsequently purchased by architect/designer team Lawrence and Sharon
Tarantino in 1988 and meticulously restored. Over the years, however, the
structure was threatened by repeated flooding at its original location, and the
Tarantinos eventually determined that selling the house to an institution
willing to relocate it would be the best option for its preservation. After the
Tarantino's multi-year search for a suitable institution, they settled upon
Crystal Bridges, which acquired the house in 2013. The entire structure was then
taken apart and each component was labeled, packed, and loaded into two trucks for transportation to the Museum. After its 1,235 mile
journey, the Bachman-Wilson House arrived at the Crystal Bridges site in April,
2014.
Crystal Bridges is included on our "Presidential Libraries and Fall Foliage of the Midwest"© Tour. For more information about this Tour and upcoming Tour Dates, link to our Website at: snobbytours.com/PrezLibMidwestFFChicago.html
(Primary Source information and Video materials courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art which retains all copyrights therein.)
©2016 Snobby Tours®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
©2016 Snobby Tours®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
