Art-themed 21c Museum Hotel to Locate in Bentonville, Arkansas

Founded in 2006 in Louisville, Kentucky, 21c Museum Hotel engages the public by featuring contemporary art. Founders Laura Lee and Steve Wilson understand that art enriches people's lives and drives commerce, and the couple sought to make downtown Louisville an even more vibrant place to work, live, and visit.

Recently 21c Museum Hotel announced its intent to expand to Austin, Texas (pop. 786,382), Cincinnati, Ohio (pop. 333,200), and Bentonville, Arkansas (pop. 36,855).

At first glance, and considering the larger populations of Louisville (pop. 721,594), Austin and Cincinnati, locating an art-themed boutique hotel in the smaller community of Bentonville may seem like an anomaly. Yet, 21c Museum Hotel is likely to be a perfect fit, especially given its proximity to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

The $28 million, 130-room hotel will be located in downtown Bentonville within walking distance of the art museum. In fact, the hotel is being designed to complement the design of the museum. 21c Bentonville is expected to open by 2012.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is currently under construction and a completion date has not been disclosed. However, the museum has a temporary location called Crystal Bridges at the Massey that is located just off the square in downtown Bentonville.

21c Bentonville seeks to be an integral part of downtown Bentonville and contribute to its revitalization by offering the community rotating art exhibitions, live art events, and 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

The hotel's restaurant will serve contemporary cuisine featuring locally produced and grown ingredients and will promote sustainable agriculture.

When Terry Black Coberly, Bentonville's mayor from 1995 through 2006, first found out that a 21c Museum Hotel would be constructed in her hometown, she said, "I thought, 'Wow, what a complement to Crystal Bridges!' Besides employing 160 plus people, I am especially pleased that residents of the region, particularly our students, will have such easy access and exposure to American art originals."

Coberly appreciates the "obvious economic benefits" of the hotel's presence in downtown Bentonville and notes that its contribution to "our quality of life" will be "priceless."

Once open, guest rooms adorned with art from 21st century artists will cost $190 per night. Suites will also be available along with amenities such as a fitness center and spa.