Crystal Bridges Invites Media to Preview New “Visions of America” Galleries

The Local Vibe
3 days ago
2 min read

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is offering members of the media an exclusive first look at its newly reinstalled Visions of America Galleries, a major reimagining of one of the museum’s core gallery experiences.

The guided media tour, scheduled for Thursday, January 22 at 10 a.m., will introduce the public to a dynamic new presentation of American art that spans five centuries. Located in the former Early American galleries, the Visions of America Galleries are designed to spark curiosity and provide a high-level introduction to the many stories, perspectives, and artistic expressions that have shaped the nation.

This reinstallation is part of Crystal Bridges’ broader refresh of existing gallery spaces ahead of its 114,000-square-foot expansion, which is set to open to the public June 6 and 7, 2026. The new galleries reflect the museum’s ongoing commitment to expanding how American art is presented and understood—placing greater emphasis on diverse voices, immersive storytelling, and contemporary relevance.

A New Way to Experience American Art at Crystal Bridges

The Visions of America Galleries are organized into five thematic sections:

We
Dreaming
Nature
Making Our Mark
We the People

Visitors will encounter new acquisitions and commissioned works by artists including Teri Greeves, Nicholas Galanin, Tomokazu Matsuyama, Norm Sartorius, and Betty Woodman, alongside works from Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection. The galleries also incorporate unexpected elements such as crystals and natural minerals, large-scale graphic installations, digital features, immersive soundscapes, and video interviews with artists.

Curator-Led Media Tour

The guided media tour will be led by members of Crystal Bridges’ curatorial and interpretation teams, providing behind-the-scenes insight into the thinking and collaboration behind the reinstallation. Tour leaders include:

Austen Barron Bailly, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs
Jordan Poorman Cocker, Curator of Indigenous Art and NAGPRA Officer
Jen Padgett, Windgate Curator of Craft
Stace Treat, Director of Interpretation
Laura Pratt, Manager of Curatorial Affairs

During the tour, media attendees will learn how the galleries were developed, why certain works were selected, and how interpretive tools—such as sound, video, and digital content—enhance the visitor experience.