In 1865 Charles Ludwig Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) published a book entitled “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. In 2011 another Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland opened to the public in Bentonville, Arkansas … a small Northwest Arkansas city and home to the worlds largest retailer, Walmart.
Yes, on November 11, 2011 ( 11-11-11 ) Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opened and since that date more than a half a million visitors have toured this world class museum “free of charge”.
On January 29, 2013 Alice Walton was honored by the Arkansas State Parks, Tourism and Recreation Commission.
Pictured below are members of the commission with Alice Walton shown holding the framed resolution thanking her for her monumental gift of Architecture and American Art to the citizens of Arkansas, the United States and the World. Clearly everyone has heard of Walmart and in the years to come, thanks to the individual generosity of Alice Walton, the world will come to know Crystal Bridges as well.
Crystal Bridges features world class Architecture by Moshe Safdie plus world class American Art like Durand’s “Kindred Spirits” in a beautifully landscaped natural setting with walking trails, gardens and sculpture. To walk along the creek or trail or leisurely stroll inside this unique museum is in fact a walk thru Alice’s Wonderland.
As a former Mayor with the instilled love of cities, I could hardly let the opportunity pass to have my picture in front of Kerry James Marshall’s “Our Town” … as much a statement about social issues as a masterful work of art.
One final editorial suggestion and thought:
We are blessed to have this gift from Alice Walton. Each Arkansan should definitely visit and experience the gift. In addition, each Arkansas should write a personal note of Thanks to her at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas … I hope you will do so.
Jim Dailey 
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