The brand-new Heartland Whole Health Institute opened its doors in May 2025. The internationally acclaimed Marlon Blackwell Architects designed the building. More than a venue, this space offers an experience rooted in wellness, creativity, and a strong sense of place in the Ozarks. Whether you're visiting on vacation or here for a focused conference, it invites you to slow down, connect more deeply, and benefit from a thoughtfully designed environment that supports reflection and well-being.

 

A man with gray hair and glasses gestures while speaking outside a modern building with curved golden walls. The scene is set on a sunny day with green trees in the background and patio chairs nearby.Architect Marlon Blackwell, Photo courtesy of Iron Lotus Creative

 

At its core, the institute embraces a “whole health” approach, placing the individual at the center of care. This model prioritizes collaboration, prevention, and long-term wellness by addressing the needs of the whole person, aiming not only to treat illness, but also foster lasting health and vitality.

Tucked Into Nature, Built With Intention

A modern, angular building with dark wood or metal panels and large glass windows, featuring stone accents. An oval green lawn and paved patio with outdoor seating are in the foreground, set against a clear blue sky.

 

Located on the Crystal Bridges Museum campus, the Institute was crafted to feel like part of the landscape itself. The building uses local materials—including red stone from Poteau, OK, and gray stone from Paris, AR—and incorporates traditional Ozark design elements like the “dog trot,” a breezeway-style form that promotes airflow and openness. Brass fins reflect the light like the tree trunks of a forest canopy, and custom woodwork, stone masonry, and metal detailing were all completed by local artisans and firms. As Blackwell states,

“... I think that was important, that it was locally crafted.”

The result is a space that doesn’t just reflect the Ozarks—it belongs to it.

An Art Infused Third Space  

 

Open to the public, Monday-Friday, 10 am to 6 pm.

 

Guests are invited to explore The Art of Whole Health, the inaugural exhibition at Heartland Whole Health Institute, featuring works from Crystal Bridges and Art Bridges that reflect the Institute’s values of connection and wholeness. Through themes of body, mind, joy, family, and nature, the exhibition celebrates holistic wellness and encourages reflection on the links between personal well-being, community, and the natural world. Free and open to all—no tickets required.

Enjoy The Heartland Café

A contemporary cafe and lounge area with a curvilinear, slatted wood ceiling. People are seated at tables and in lounge chairs, some near a "CAFÉ" counter. Green and blue accents are visible, including a vibrant blue wall in the background.

Courtesy of Tim Hursley

In the lobby, you’ll find Heartland Café, a great place to grab a coffee,  snack, or grab-and-go meal! 

Designed to Spark Ideas (and Joy)

Inside, you’ll also find a variety of meeting spaces designed to suit a wide range of needs. Smaller seminar rooms offer an ideal setting for off-site retreats and focused team sessions, while the expansive ballroom provides over 6,700 square feet of flexible space—accommodating up to 684 guests. A full wall of windows in the main ballroom invites the outdoors in, offering sweeping views of the Crystal Bridges campus, while adjustable shades let guests set the perfect ambiance.

 

A grand, modern lobby featuring a wavy slatted wood ceiling with a circular cutout, a large wooden staircase, and a curved reception desk with a green textured front. Light-colored stone floors, colorful ottomans, and large windows with people and trees complete the scene.

Warm pecan hickory ceilings add depth and character throughout—

“These are pecan hickory(...) This is all developed locally using a three-axis CNC machine, a robot to customize. Every one of these are custom,” said Blackwell.

Similarly, in the café you will find locally sourced walnut which brings a refined, handcrafted touch that speaks to the care and intention behind every element.

Step Outside and Breathe It In

 

Beyond the building, native Ozark plantings support pollinators and mirror the natural rhythms of the region. Nature trails provide the perfect setting for walk-and-talk meetings or quiet moments to reset. Guests are just steps away from world-class art at Crystal Bridges, and the Amazeum next door offers playful exploration for guests of all ages (yes, even grown-ups).

 

Plan With Ease

 

Visit Bentonville is here to help you bring everything together—from logistics to local flavor. In-house catering features seasonal menus using ingredients from regional farms, and bar service is offered for celebratory toasts. Rooms are available Monday through Friday, and we’re here to make your planning process seamless.

 

Whether you’re hosting a small retreat or a large event, Heartland Whole Health Institute offers more than a place to meet—it offers a place to connect. Let your next gathering be grounded in beauty, place, and purpose.

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