This post is sponsored by Crystal Bridges, but all opinions are my own.
Want to turn your autumn up a notch? Plan a visit to Crystal Bridges Museum of Modern Art this fall. The outside of the museum has always been just as magical as the inside and now, with the Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi Kusama and the North Forest Lights, the Crystal Bridges experience has somehow become even more spectacular. Even if you don’t live nearby, I promise you this is more than just a museum and well worth the trip. Just since its opening in 2011, more than 4 million people from 50 states and six out of the seven continents have visited.
Todd and I were lucky enough to experience the North Forest Lights during opening night last Saturday. Even though I knew a little bit about it going in, my expectations were quickly exceeded as we ventured into the woods by way of a scenic path. Arriving just after sunset, we were first greeted by a charming little “village” that included plenty of spots to sit and relax, food options, communal campfire, a cute little gift shop, and a bar… Yes, a BAR in the forest! After grabbing a cup of spiked hot cocoa, we settled down at a small table and nibbled on deliciously gooey grilled cheese and a cozy cup of soup. With the seating nestled in the middle of the five installations, we kept warm with our drinks while surrounded by the twinkle of lights.
We were told not to miss the Whispering Tree (even if there was a line), so that was the first installation we experienced. Visitors are invited to privately engage with the tree group-by-group and, even so, the line moved surprisingly fast. What sounded a little cheesy at first actually ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the night. You walk up to the tree and are instructed to sing into the vintage microphone standing in front of you. I let Todd take the initiative on this one while I stood there and watched the tree twinkle to his voice. The way the tree lit up felt like you were the star in an animated movie. No one can hear you sing or speak to the tree except for the people you’re with, so you don’t have to worry about feeling silly. Instead, you can focus on watching the tree turn into the color of your voice which is assigned by the tree (Todd is totally magenta, by the way).
After grabbing another cup of hot cocoa (because, duh) we walked around to each of the other installations. I was really glad that we were told to stop and stay at each one for at least five to ten minutes so that you get the full experience. There’s music that goes along with each installation which makes it feel like each spot in the woods is giving you its own performance. Along with the Whispering Tree, there’s the the Crystal Grove, The Hearth, Forest Orchestra, and my personal favorite – The Bridge. The Bridge was constructed solely for this exhibit and stretches across an old creek. You can stand and watch from the bridge, where fog rolls past. Lasers and lights give the illusion of water and there’s only one word for it – mesmerizing.
My iPhone photos don’t even come close to doing either experience justice, but ever since our visit I’ve been telling everyone I run into about how the North Forest Lights and Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room are both a must-see. We’re already planning another visit so that we can bring Iris, who I know will be absolutely enchanted. Even if it’s cold outside, it’s worth the journey and besides, the spiked hot cocoa will keep you warm.
