Crystal Bridges Launches “Building Bridges” Lecture Series with President Barack Obama

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has announced an exciting new initiative that places civic dialogue front and center. The museum is launching Building Bridges, a lecture series aimed at celebrating the American spirit of meeting in the middle with “curiosity, courage, and care.”

The inaugural event will take place Monday, December 1, and will feature a special conversation with President Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. Hosted by Crystal Bridges Board Chair Olivia Walton, the series is designed to bring together voices from diverse backgrounds, thought leaders, artists, and changemakers, to model meaningful civic engagement from right here in Bentonville, Arkansas.

“Building Bridges,” Crystal Bridges notes, is inspired by the museum’s iconic architectural bridge, symbolizing a place that “connects what’s divided and can carry us forward together.”

Event Details-Crystal Bridges

Building Bridges: A Conversation with President Barack Obama on the American Spirit will be held at the Heartland Whole Health Institute on the Crystal Bridges campus on December 1 at 3:30 p.m. The program will focus on civic leadership and the shared values that shape American democracy, a timely discussion as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

Tickets are free, limited to two per account. Crystal Bridges members get first access at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 21. Details are available on the Crystal Bridges website.

A Special Opportunity for Arkansas Students

In addition to the public program, President Obama will meet privately with 450 Arkansas students and teachers for a roundtable discussion in the museum’s Great Hall. Three high school seniors, from Bentonville, Little Rock, and Springdale, will sit down with the president to discuss their civic engagement and their hopes for the nation’s next 250 years. Students attending represent 24 schools statewide, including grades six through eight.