Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, is hands down one of my favorite places to visit. Not only does it feature works exclusively by American artists, but it also rivals the best art institutions in Paris or London. My latest visit was filled with awe and admiration for the incredible collection.

One jaw-dropping piece at the museum is Jeff Koons' Hanging Heart (Gold/Magenta). This massive sculpture, measuring 9 ½ feet wide, hangs from a magenta steel ribbon and is pure magic. It's one of five versions Koons created, and trust me, the gold sheen is something you need to see in person—pure magic.

Another highlight of my visit was seeing the portraits by Gilbert Stuart and Kehinde Wiley side by side. Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, known as the Constable-Hamilton Portrait, stands next to Wiley’s “Portrait of a Florentine Nobleman.” These paintings encapsulate what’s truly great about America—the diversity and depth of its artistic and cultural heritage.

Stuart’s portrait of Washington, with its rich historical context, offers a powerful representation of American leadership. This image of Washington, so familiar from the dollar bill, depicts the first president as a commanding figure, solidifying his image as a strong leader. The portrait also highlights the close-knit relationships among the nation's early influential figures, as it was commissioned by a merchant friend for Alexander Hamilton.

Kehinde Wiley, known for his vibrant and thought-provoking works, presents a different take with his “Portrait of a Florentine Nobleman.” Wiley is renowned for replacing historical white figures with African American subjects, and this particular painting based on a 16th-century portrait features Shontay Haynes of St. Louis. Wiley's inclusion of women in his works broadens the conversation on gender and representation in art, making his contributions essential to the modern artistic landscape.

While the indoor exhibits were as captivating as ever, the museum grounds showed signs of nature's unpredictability. The landscape is still recovering from a tornado that hit a few months ago. Fallen trees are being cleared, and the grounds are slowly being restored to their former beauty, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the museum’s staff.

My visit to Crystal Bridges was a reminder of why this museum is my favorite. The blend of historical and contemporary American art, set in a facility that’s world-class in every way, makes every visit special. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend making the trip—it’s an enriching experience that will leave you inspired and proud of the artistic talents our country has to offer.