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Crystal Bridges Announces the Opening of New Light and Sound Experience, North Forest Lights

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announces North Forest Lights, opening October 26 through February 16, 2020. North Forest Lights is an artistic, outdoor light and sound experience created in partnership with Montreal-based multimedia and entertainment studio, Moment Factory. The art installation was designed uniquely for Crystal Bridges and will not travel to other venues. The experience will be open in the evening and hours will vary based on when twilight occurs.  North Forest Lights dates, times, and ticket information can be found here.

“North Forest Lights reflects the mission of Crystal Bridges by connecting visitors to art and nature—it also allows us to activate the forest in a totally new way for the fall and winter season, adding elements like a new bridge, photo spot, and food and beverage offerings, a place to gather by the campfire, bringing people together for a one-of-kind immersive experience,” Robin Groesbeck,Director, Exhibitions & Interpretation. “Guests will encounter stunning light displays and will be surrounded by rich soundscapes, all inspired by our Ozark setting.”

“Moment Factory is thrilled to unveil its first outdoor digital art experience at Crystal Bridges,” said Jonathan St-Onge, General Manager, Moment Factory. “North Forest Lights aims to create a sense of connection with nature and to each other through the use of multimedia, lighting effects, and an original score. The collaboration between our two organizations has been enriching for our team and has allowed us to push our artistic vision. We are proud to align with the museum’s mission of bringing art to diverse audiences while highlighting the unique Ozark landscape.”

The Installations
After entering North Forest Lights, five distinct installations bring the soul and rhythm of the forest to life with light, sound, and sensory effects in a captivating, family-friendly experience:

  • Crystal Grove – See the glowing language of young saplings, as they seem to communicate through shimmering crystal lights.
  • Forest Frequencies – Channel the natural and human past as light and music connect you with the wavelengths of the Arkansas woods.
  • The Hearth – Gather around a bonfire-like sculpture to immerse yourself in the warm glow and beating heart of nature.
  • Whispering Tree – Communicate with a magnificent tree to learn about the color of your own voice.
  • Memory of Water – Surround yourself in light and sound, as a simulated stream brings water back to this dry creek bed.

The Village
During the experience, guests are also welcome to enjoy The Village, a communal campfire and seating area offering warm beverages, scrumptious snacks, and merchandise. Drinks will include hot cocoa, coffee, wine, beer, and more, and snacks will include hot dogs, beignets, fire-roasted Arkansas pecans, caramel nut apples, popcorn balls, brownies, and more. North Forest Lights-branded merchandise will also be available for purchase in The Village. This area is located past the Crystal Grove and Forest Frequencies installations.

In addition, visitors are encouraged to enhance their experience with two options for a culinary basket, available online during the ticket purchase process and must be ordered 24 hours in advance of the ticket start time:

  • Heart of the Forest package – perfect for couples or date nights to include a bottle of wine, cheese tray, fruit and crackers, and a Markham & Fitz chocolate bar.
  • Nature’s Secret package –includes a bottle of sparkling cider, cheese tray, fruit, crackers, and s’mores bars.

Accessibility
North Forest Lights will be about a one-mile experience. The North Forest Trail is accessible for mobility devices. Wheelchairs will be available for visitors to check out at the North Forest Lights entrance and a shuttle will be offered by request. Visitors may also bring strollers or wagons.

About Moment Factory
Moment Factory is a multimedia studio with a full range of production expertise under one roof. Our team combines specializations in video, lighting, architecture, sound and special effects to create remarkable experiences. Based in Montreal, the studio also has other addresses in Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, Paris and New York City. Since its inception in 2001, Moment Factory has created more than 400 unique projects worldwide, including the Lumina Night Walk series. Productions span the globe and include such clients as Changi Airport, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Arcade Fire, Microsoft, Sony, Madonna, Cipriani, the Reims Cathedral and Royal Caribbean.

North Forest Lights is sponsored by the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, The Bogle Family, Terri and Chuck Erwin, and George’s. Created and produced by Moment Factory.

To learn more about North Forest Lights visit the Crystal Bridges website. For news updates, follow Crystal Bridges on the Blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram #NorthForestLights.