Chief Curator

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.

Job Description:

Position Title:
Chief Curator

Position Type:
Full‑Time

FLSA Classification:
Exempt

Department:
Curatorial

Reports to:
Deputy Director, Curatorial Affairs

Date Reviewed: 11.19.25

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.

You belong here: make the most of this moment.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art seeks a new Chief Curator to lead its curatorial team into an ambitious new chapter, catalyzed by the museum’s landmark reinstallation and 114,000 square foot expansion opening June 6, 2026. As Crystal Bridges deepens its commitment to expanding storytelling through American art and broadens its national and global impact, the Chief Curator will play a pivotal role in shaping the museum’s curatorial direction, guiding exhibitions, acquisitions, and scholarship that will shape the field.

This is a rare opportunity to steward a dynamic curatorial program at an institution with access as its north star. Situated on a 134‑acre campus including the Heartland Whole Health Institute, the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, the Ozark Discovery Canopy and art throughout the grounds, Crystal Bridges is part of a multifaceted cultural ecosystem where art, architecture, nature, education and wellness intersect.

The Chief Curator for Crystal Bridges and The Momentary provides strategic vision, leadership and management for the museum’s curatorial team. With a collection spanning five centuries of American art plus extensive engagement with contemporary art and artists, Crystal Bridges seeks a Chief Curator who is a specialist in contemporary art. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Curatorial Affairs, the Chief Curator plays an essential role in advancing the institution's curatorial program, driving innovation in curatorial work and with artists, and contributing to the implementation of a distinguished art collection, exhibition and installation program.

The Chief Curator is responsible for advancing curatorial activities, including artist initiatives, collection development and care, exhibitions, installations, outdoor sculpture, publications, and strategic partnerships.

The Chief Curator contributes to cultivation of gifts of art, and advances efforts to achieve recognition for curatorial excellence, advocating for the institution's mission broadly. When appropriate, the Chief Curator will curate exhibitions to contribute to the museum’s program and the field ect reports include the Curator of Contemporary Art, Windgate Curator of Craft, Curator of Indigenous Art and NAGPRA Officer, Curator of Artists‑in‑Residence and Performance, Consulting Curator of Architecture, Assistant Curator of American Art, Assistant Curator of Modern Art, Head of Exhibition Design, and Curatorial Coordinator.

This position requires a seasoned curatorial leader with significant art museum experience leading, managing and mentoring teams, a successful track record in curatorial scholarship and innovation, and a demonstrated commitment to creating a distinctive and differentiated museum experience in a dynamic cultural environment.