BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges announced on June 11 that its Summer Forest Concert Series set to begin this month has been canceled due to damage sustained during storms on May 26.
The museum says that hundreds of trees were lost across the Crystal Bridges campus, including in the North Forest, where the concert series was set to take place.
"The museum’s staff and the community are saddened by the damage to the Trails & Grounds at Crystal Bridges, but the museum knows its problems are surmountable," the museum said in a release.
Crystal Bridges says that the loss of the trees is disappointing but marks a "generational change" in the forest.
"For every large tree lost, multiple tree saplings remain standing. Though devastating, this is a generational change in the forest, birthing a new landscape. The natural process of forest succession is happening, and Crystal Bridges will have the chance to shape the landscape in new ways," the museum said.
"More opportunities for gardens, art, and moments of connecting to nature and the great outdoors will be at the forefront of future planning," Crystal Bridges added.
All hope is not lost for the concert series, however, as Crystal Bridges says that series will start back up in 2025, the lineup for which will be announced later.
As for now, crews are still working to be able to safely reopen the North Forest area ahead of the fall and winter. That area is restricted as cleanup continues.
Current ticketholders for the Summer Forest Concert Series for 2024 will automatically receive a refund. Crystal Bridges says that those affected can contact Guest Experience at 479-657-2335.
The following is the status for trails across the Crystal Bridges campus:
- The Art Trail is no open and can be accessed from Crystal Bridges' lower parking and the south lawn. Downtown Bentonville access to the trail remains restricted due to debris.
- The Orchard Trail and Tulip Trail are closed until further notice.
- All Crystal Bridges trails will be closed on Tuesdays for ongoing cleanup.
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