Visit Lucy Sparrow’s Viral Felted Supermarket Exhibition at The Momentary

By now, you’ve probably heard of the viral Lucy Sparrow: The Beginning of Convenience exhibition now on display inside the Momentary, 507 SE E St, Bentonville, Arkansas, until July 11, 2027. We’re here to help you get acquainted with the artist, the exhibition, and what to expect during your visit to the Momentary.

Getting to the Momentary

Getting here is easy, whether you're driving or riding a bike. Visitors can park for free in the gravel lot off SE E Street or in the free parking garage on SE 8th Street. If you're exploring Bentonville by bike, the Momentary sits just off the Razorback Greenway near trail connections, with plenty of bicycle parking waiting when you arrive. 

✈️ Flying in? Legends Air Center at Thaden Field is just a short rideshare or bus ride from the Momentary. Read our guide to getting around downtown Bentonville by bus to plan your trip.

Lucy Sparrow: The Artist

Lucy Sparrow at ‘The Beginning of Convenience.’ Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary

Born in 1986, UK-based artist Lucy Sparrow is known for transforming everyday objects into playful, nostalgic works of art. After dropping out of university, Sparrow built a unique artistic practice centered around handmade felt sculptures. For her first museum exhibition in the United States, she recreates a 1980s supermarket, inviting visitors to rediscover the familiar objects in everyday life.

Learn more about Lucy Sparrow.

The Supermarket Experience

Stepping into The Beginning of Convenience feels like entering a world built entirely from imagination. The immersive art exhibition features more than 20,000 hand-sewn felt objects, many with cheerful faces smiling back at you. Every aisle is packed with playful details that reward a closer look. For many visitors, the familiar grocery store setting sparks a sense of nostalgia.

Younger guests will love exploring the colorful installation and discovering something new around every corner.

"The hardest part about visiting (Lucy Sparrow: The Beginning of Convenience at) the Momentary was not touching anything. I wanted to touch everything!” — Ayla Rimmer, age 10

A keen ear will catch the overhead announcements (recorded by the artist herself) playing throughout the space, adding another layer of detail to the immersive experience of stepping into a convenience store.

The Bentonville Walmart Connection

Visitors may notice a familiar Bentonville connection woven throughout Lucy Sparrow’s The Beginning of Convenience. Inspired by the nostalgia of 1980s supermarkets and the history of hometown shopping, Sparrow’s installation includes nods to Bentonville’s own Walmart history. Look closely, and you’ll find recognizable products from childhood, vintage-inspired signage, and details that reflect the everyday shopping experiences many visitors will remember.

Uniquely Felted Details

Every corner of the installation is crafted from Sparrow’s signature felt artwork. Browse a recreated photo lab; viewers may remember a time when printed photos and the smell of developer filled the air with delayed gratification. Visitors will also discover a felted pharmacy stocked with handmade versions of medicine, bandages, and other everyday essentials. And, of course, the Visit Bentonville team couldn’t help but appreciate the felted hot dog roller found in the café area!

Take Home a Piece of Lucy Sparrow’s Felted World

Before you leave The Beginning of Convenience, stop by The Momentary Gift Shop to bring home a felted creation of your own. After exploring the exhibition, relax in The Momentary’s lounge or grab a coffee from Onyx Coffee Lab; it’s the perfect spot to sit, connect to the Wi-Fi, and share your experience.

Don’t forget to tag @visitbentonville and @themomentary in your photos so others can discover Lucy Sparrow’s nostalgic felted supermarket experience in Bentonville.