The Momentary Celebrates Music and Photography with New Exhibitions Opening in May
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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — On May 24, 2025, the Momentary will debut three new exhibitions that explore the dynamic intersection of music and photography, deepening the institution’s connection to both mediums. The shows will include The Prison Concerts: Folsom and San Quentin (Jim Marshall’s Photographs of Johnny Cash), which highlights Jim Marshall’s photos from two of Johnny Cash’s historic prison concerts; and Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul, a presentation of photographs by Larry Hulst’s featuring his unique visual anthology of rock, blues, and soul music from 1970-1999. Additionally, The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR’s Printing Press—an immersive experience where visitors step into a larger-than-life printing press and walk away with a unique print—debuts on May 24.
“The Prison Concerts, Front Row Center, and The Machine Behind the Art each spotlight the artists—musicians, photographers, and visionaries—who have reshaped our cultural landscape through bold acts of creativity,” said Alejo Benedetti, curator of contemporary art at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. “Whether it’s Jim Marshall’s legendary documentation of Cash’s prison shows, Larry Hulst placing us in the front row of an electric performance, or JR transporting us inside the inner workings of a massive printer, these exhibitions invite us to step into the stories behind the sounds, images, and ideas that move us. We’re excited for our community to see all three shows and find connection within them.”
In addition to their monumental photos, visitors will also have the opportunity to shop a unique collection of exhibition-themed items at the Momentary, including hand-selected prints from Larry Hulst, custom-made guitars by Bella Vista’s Revelation Guitars, a curated assortment of vinyl records inspired by the exhibitions, a selection of music and books connected to Cash’s prison concerts, and exclusive JR apparel and books from the Superblue Miami.
To mark the opening of the new visual art season, the Momentary will host a House Party on Saturday, May 31, featuring live music, custom vinyl pressing with Mobil Vinyl, DIY concert shirt screen-printing, an all-day family-friendly dance party, food trucks, artmaking, games, and more. To cap off the evening, the Momentary will host a concert in the RØDE House spotlighting local talent.
The Prison Concerts and Front Row Center are on view at the Momentary from May 24, 2025, through October 12, 2025. FreshGrass | Bentonville ticket holders will receive early access to both exhibitions during the Festival, May 16-17. Both shows are free and open to the public.
The Machine Behind the Art is on view from May 24, 2025, through June 7, 2026. Timed portrait tickets are $20 and include admission for up to three people, one oversized photo portrait, and digital copies of the photo. If visitors do not plan to take a portrait during their visit, no purchase is required to attend. Guests can reserve their timeslots online or with the Box Office at (479) 657-2335.
The Machine Behind the Art is free for Momentary members, who receive two free photo prints per visit. Momentary memberships offer a chance to be part of a diverse community with new offerings and dynamic art experiences. Members receive advance notification about and early access to ticketed shows, events, and festivals, as well as a 20% discount on general admission event tickets and special members-only offers.
The Momentary’s 2025 exhibitions are supported in part by The Coca-Cola Company, Sue and Charles Redfield, and Deborah Wright.
Additional support for The Prison Concerts: Folsom and San Quentin (Jim Marshall’s Photographs of Johnny Cash) provided by Neil and Gina Pendergraft.
For more information on the exhibitions, opening events, or becoming a member, visit the Momentary’s website.
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About the Momentary
Opened in February of 2020 in Downtown Bentonville, 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. The Momentary was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of Tom, Olivia, and Steuart Walton. Its commitment to cultivating arts and cultural experiences provides more opportunities for education, engagement, and enjoyment in our region. The Momentary is an extension of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Alice Walton. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Additional offerings include live music, visual and performing arts, an artist-in-residence program, culinary experiences such as Onyx Coffee Lab and the sky-high Tower Bar, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor festival space, and a retail shop. For more information, visit theMomentary.org. The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. The Momentary’s Founding Funders are Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, RØDE Microphones, The Coca-Cola Company, Tyson Family Foundation, and Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.
Media Contact
media@crystalbridges.org