Registrar of Collections

Mission

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non‑profit charitable organization.

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non‑profit charitable organization with free admission. The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful.

FLSA Classification:
Exempt
Department:
Curatorial

Reports to:

Head Registrar
Date Reviewed: 6/25/2026

Under general supervision of the Head Registrar, the Registrar of Collections is responsible for all registration functions related to managing the permanent collection of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (the “Museum”). This position administers a managed plan for the care, documentation, and display of the collection, and ensures the accuracy and recording of collections information. The Registrar of Collections leads a focused team within the department and is responsible for the assignment and management of projects and tasks on his or her team.

This position requires a high level of collaboration with internal and external colleagues and the ability to manage a wide range of projects in a fast‑paced environment. The Crystal Bridges collection is a dynamic and rapidly evolving resource spanning five centuries of American art, encompassing historical, modern, and contemporary works alongside significant holdings in craft, Indigenous art, architecture, and minerals.

• Ensure the proper care, preservation and storage of collection objects in collaboration with the Head Registrar, Curatorial staff, Art Preparation and Collections Care team, and contract conservators.
• Work closely with Museum staff as well as donors, galleries, and artists on arrangements for donations, purchases and commissions.
• Administer the acquisitions process including preparing Temporary Custody Agreements, Deeds of Gift, Bills of Sale, and processing payment for purchases and commissions.
• Coordinate packing/shipping arrangements and manage paperwork, unpacking, condition‑reporting, and intake of artwork at the Museum on approval or as promised gifts.
• Oversee collection documentation, data entry and reporting, and the creation and maintenance of object files.
• Collaborate with Curatorial, Exhibition Designer and Art Preparation and Collections Care on safe display of collection objects.
• Implement a managed plan of care for the Museum’s permanent collection, including arranging conservator visits of all specialties.
• Assess and revise the plan of care to accommodate changing needs as the collection grows.
• Develop budgets for on‑site and off‑site conservation and framing in coordination with Curatorial staff and the Art Preparation and Collections Care team.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with project budgets.
• Supervise the review and processing of all domestic and international outgoing loans requests.
• Prepare and deliver statistics for collections care activities, outgoing loans, and digital efforts for Board reports.
• Serve as supervisor to the collection registrars team, interns, and volunteers.

• Support registration functions for collections‑based temporary exhibitions.
• Act as courier, to accompany exhibitions and loans worldwide.
• Assist with researching, recommending, and implementing new protocols.
• Keep apprised of approved…