Crystal Bridges Turns It Up To 11

November 18, 2010

(STAFF PHOTO J.S. WEDGEWORTH) Don Bacigalupi, executive director of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, speaks Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, at the museum construction site in Bentonville. On Nov. 18, 2010, Bacigalupi announced the museum will open on 11-11-11.

Some long awaited news on a dramatic leap forward for the art scene in NWA was announced today: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will celebrate Nigel Tufnel Day.

OK, not really. But museum officials did say Crystal Bridges will open for pubic consumption on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 or 11-11-11. This just happens to coincide with the Internet push to honor that 24-hour period as Nigel Tufnel Day, the fictional lead guitarist for Spinal Tap who famously declared the volume for his rock band’s amps could be turned up to 11, making them louder than other groups.

Either way, it’s a win-win situation and great news for all types of people in NWA to celebrate Nov. 11 next year. Here’s the press release on the Crystal Bridges opening date from the museum folks:

During an update today on the progress of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art at the monthly meeting of the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission, Don Bacigalupi, Crystal Bridges’ executive director, announced that the Museum will open to the public on Friday, November 11, 2011. The announcement took place at the Doubletree Guest Suites and Convention Center in Bentonville. Numerous regional leaders were in attendance.

Founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation, Crystal Bridges is positioned to play a major role in Northwest Arkansas’ continued economic and cultural expansion. The Museum will serve the region’s residents as well as draw visitors from around the nation and the world.