Art for every taste, with more than 300 murals, sculptures and installations
From large-scale murals and glowing neon installations to sculpture-filled green spaces and trail-connected art corridors, Bentonville’s public art scene continues to expand, reinforcing the community’s national reputation as a premier destination for outdoor art.
With spring travel season approaching, visitors and residents alike have more ways than ever to experience Bentonville's growing collection of publicly accessible artworks.
Bentonville’s 322 (and counting) publicly accessible artworks are part of a growing citywide collection that includes 83 large-format murals, 60 public sculptures and 28 major neon installations. These “public” artworks are defined as those that can be experienced without special access.
“Cities that invest in art are telling you something about who they are and what they believe in the future. In Bentonville, that commitment has grown into public art across our trails, neighborhoods, and shared spaces, including more than 50 installations on city property. These works have taken root in ways that have come to define this place. Our job is to keep building a city worthy of that,” said Stephanie Orman, Bentonville Mayor.
Bentonville’s public art footprint continues to expand, so does the way visitors experience it across the city. The collection has grown significantly since the city’s early installations began in 2012, reflecting sustained collaboration among public agencies, cultural institutions, private developers, and philanthropic partners.
“Public art is part of Bentonville’s visitor experience,” said Kalene Griffith, President and CEO of Visit Bentonville. “Through key partnerships, our city has strategically invested in creating an art experience that goes far beyond our museums.”
The recently completed Walmart Home Office contributes to Bentonville’s growing public art landscape, with more than 40 installations integrated throughout the campus.
"These installations were designed to help people feel connected to the space around them and create a welcoming environment — for both associates and the broader community," said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart’s senior vice president of corporate real estate.
Organizations like OZ Art NWA continue to shape Bentonville’s evolving public art ecosystem, supporting artists and expanding access to contemporary works across the region.
“One of the most exciting things about Bentonville is that you can’t fully experience the city without encountering art, and often including the projects OZ Art NWA has brought to fruition. We’re proud of our contributions and eager to continue building Bentonville in collaboration with the City of Bentonville, the community, and the incredible local artists who call this place home,” said an OZ ART NWA spokesperson.
MUST SEE Public Artworks to Add to Your Spring Itinerary:
- Lakes and Rivers, Stefan Sagmeister, 2023: Featuring the colossal silhouettes of two native smallmouth bass, artist Stefan Sagmeister's installation "Lakes and Rivers" is part mural, part dynamic installation. Each fish is made up of tens of thousands of stainless-steel shimmer disks, which makes the mural seem to come to life every time the wind blows. 240 S. Main, Bentonville.
- You Belong Here, Tavares Strachan, 2020: A bold centerpiece of the city's growing collection of neon art installations, the monumental "You Belong Here" sprawls across one full exterior wall of the Momentary, welcoming viewers while inviting further exploration in glowing pink script. 507 SE E Street, Bentonville.
- The Bentonville Collection, Mantra (Youri Cansell), 2025: Another colorful mural that pays homage to Bentonville's place in the natural world, "The Bentonville Collection" by artist Youri Cansell (better known as Mantra) features massive, beautiful renderings of five butterfly species that migrate through the city, including the Regal Fritillary, the Spicebush Swallowtail and the Monarch butterfly. 207 SW A Street, Bentonville
Explore Bentonville's Art Your Way: Map It, Walk It or Ride It
Art is woven throughout Bentonville, and several digital tools help visitors plan a personalized art experience.
- Plan a self-guided art walking or driving tour using Visit Bentonville’s Public Art Map, online at: visitbentonville.com/things-to-do/arts-culture/public-art-map/.
- Explore Bentonville art by bike through the TrailPilot app, which includes a bikeable art tour designed for an easy day of appreciation on two wheels.
- Discover artwork across Northwest Arkansas through the searchable OZ Art NWA platform: ozartnwa.com/the-collection/
- Browse the City of Bentonville’s full public art collection here: bentonvillepublicart.com
Partnership Powers a City Built on Creativity
Bentonville’s public art ecosystem is fueled by collaboration among organizations and stakeholders with a shared vision for vibrant, art-driven public spaces. Partners include:
- Bentonville Public Art Advisory Board
- OZ Art NWA
- Walmart
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- The Momentary
- Bentonville Parks and Recreation Department
- Local Businesses and Developers
- Visit Bentonville
- Bentonville Public Library
Planning a Spring Art Visit
Whether visitors have two hours or two days, Bentonville offers countless ways to turn a spring trip into an art-filled experience. From world-class museums to outdoor installations integrated into parks, trails and downtown spaces, the city continues to position itself as a destination where art and outdoor exploration meet.
City leaders and partners anticipate continued momentum, with future installations planned for key corridors, parks and select roundabouts as opportunities emerge.
Public art plays a meaningful role in Bentonville’s visitor experience, encouraging travelers to explore more of the city, extend their stays, and support local restaurants, shops and attractions.
“We see this as the first chapter, with more to come...,” Griffith said. “Through strong partnerships and clear planning, Bentonville continues to build an outdoor art experience that is nationally significant, economically impactful, and locally meaningful. Public art has become a powerful way for visitors to experience the city, encouraging exploration across our trails, parks and downtown while supporting local businesses that make Bentonville special.”