Discover Northwest Arkansas

32 | DiscoverNorthwestArkansas.com | Sunday, July 30, 2017 Special to nWA Democrat-Gazette N orthwest Arkansas is rich with history and diverse culture. Whether you want to see an authentic Andy Warhol self-portrait or learn more about Ozark history, there is a museum for your specific viewing plea- sures. Bella Vista Bella Vista historical museum 1885 Bella Vista Way (479) 855-2335 Hours: Starting in August, the museum will be open from 1-5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Admission: Free. • Exhibits cover the nearby early Indian settlements, the early farms, the lake built in 1915, the summer resort started in 1917, its relaunch in 1952 that turned it into a family recreation center and the 1960s beginnings of its present history when John Cooper, Sr., purchased the summer resort and began buying up the farms all the way to the Missouri state line, eventually converting 40,000 acres into what he called Bella Vista Village. See how his development added sev- en lakes and seven golf courses, and evolved from a Property Owners Associ- ation to become the incorporated City of Bella Vista in 2007 with a present popu- lation of 27,000 residents. Bentonville Crystal Bridges 600 museum Way (479) 418-5700 Hours: Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednes- day-Friday; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Satur- day-Monday. Admission: Free. Some temporary exhib- its have a ticket fee. • Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation as a non-profit charitable organization for all to enjoy. Philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton chairs the Museum's board of directors. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Saf- die and opened to the public on Nov. 11, 2011. Crystal Bridges' permanent col- lection spans five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial era to the current day. The permanent col- lection, which continues to grow through a strategic acquisition plan, is on view year-round and is enhanced by an array of temporary exhibitions. Crystal Bridges provides year-round programming for all ages, including lectures, performances, classes, and continuing education for K-12 teachers. museum of Native American history 202 sW 'o' st. (479) 273-2456 Hours: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Sat- urday Admission: Free. • The Museum of Native American Histo- ry invites you to "Walk Through America's Past," where you will be given a glimpse into what life was like for America's first inhabitants. The museum is divided into five different time periods that will guide you through the constant changing lives of the Native Americans, as seen through their artifacts. The displays feature relics that date from more than 14,000 years old to historic times. Visit the museum and enjoy seeing some of the finest trea- sures ever created by early craftsmen. scott family Amazeum 1009 museum Way (479) 696-9280 Hours: Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday-Saturday; and 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Sunday. Admission: Members and kids under 2 years — free. Adults and kids over 2 years — $9.50 • The Scott Family Amazeum is a hands- on, interactive museum for children and families located in Bentonville. A mu- seum with a foundation in the arts and sciences, the Amazeum encourages cre- ativity, curiosity and community through exhibits, educational collaboration, DiscoverNorthwestArkansas.com EntErtAinmEnt Museums bring fun, history to NWA MUSEUMS continued on page 34 louise Bourgeois' moNumeNtAl sCulpture, MAMAn at Crystal Bridges.

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