Magic in the Forest

Magic in the Forest: The Story of North Forest Lights

Did You Know? Forest Frequencies consists of 99 light bars, with almost every instrument represented by its own bar.

For two years, North Forest Lights has enchanted audiences. A project several years in the making, this experience quickly became a top destination for date nights, family gatherings, and special moments with friends. Each year, the forest has come to life at night with five light and sound installations and a food and gathering place called the Village. This is how North Forest Lights came to be.

Did You Know? The Hearth was initially assembled by hand in Montreal, then was carefully disassembled and shipped to Bentonville.

Moment Factory, a Magical Partner

Executive Director Rod Bigelow had a vision of bringing the forest to life with lights in the winter through an experience that would be accessible for all. “To bring this project to life, we had to find an artist or company with expertise using technology outside during harsh weather, and ensure the artistry would be on par with all the experiences at Crystal Bridges,” said Robin Groesbeck, director of exhibitions and senior project leader for North Forest Lights. “We needed the installation to be respectful of the artworks on the trail, and enhance the beautiful, natural qualities of the North Forest. We wanted it to feel surprising, mysterious, welcoming, and uplifting, and draw people to experience the North Forest at night.”

Enter Moment Factory. Much like Crystal Bridges, Montreal-based multimedia entertainment studio Moment Factory strives to bring people together, to welcome all to experiences that inspire a sense of collective wonder and connection. The studio has more than 350 experienced, passionate, multidisciplinary creators from around the world who come together to create, design, and produce multimedia environments and unforgettable experiences using video, lighting, sound, animation, and state-of-the-art technology.

With their partnership, a concept started to form: one that focused on the connection between all living things and where nature was seen as having a heart and a soul. With this concept, Moment Factory began designing the installations with a focus on the natural setting and inspiration they found in Bentonville, and North Forest Lights was born.

Installing North Forest Lights

The creation of this experience truly did take a village. 20 technicians came from Moment Factory’s headquarters in Montreal to perform the initial set-up, working in tandem with many museum departments. The Trails and Grounds team built new trails and landscapes to accommodate the installations, and oversaw the construction of a custom-made bridge for the Memory of Water installation. Museum teams also installed security cameras, expanded the wireless infrastructure, and made hundreds—if not thousands—of electrical connections. Structures were designed by Head of 3-D Design Jessi Mueller, operations were coordinated by Senior Project Manager Ben Huss, and Guest Services, Culinary, and Retail teams offered a chance to buy tickets, eat, drink, and shop in the forest. Communications and Design developed signage and promoted the event, and the experience itself is run each night by a talented team.

“The initial installation of North Forest Lights took over a month and took dozens of dedicated people,” said Clay Bakker, director of trails and grounds, who worked with Moment Factory to weave the experiences into the museum’s North Forest. “They all managed to successfully finish their tasks in sync and open the experience exactly on time despite some extreme thunderstorm delays and damage throughout the installation process.” Did You Know? The understory of the forest around Crystal Grove is full of spicebush, a host plant for swallowtail butterflies. These butterflies winter in the leaf litter of the forest floor.

Did You Know? The Whispering Tree is a black oak, estimated to be about 200 years old.

The Whispering Tree has 70 unique lanterns which work together to bring the tree to life.

North Forest Lights is open now through April 4, 2021. Members receive a discount on tickets.

Upgrade your experience with a North Forest Snow Globe, complete with cocktails and specialty food. Visit CrystalBridges.org/

SnowGlobes to learn more. The Forest Comes to Life

North Forest Lights first opened on October 27, 2019, giving visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the holidays and winter weather with family and friends. In its first season, North Forest Lights was visited by over 108,690 people coming from all parts of the country and beyond. On New Year’s Eve 2019, the museum’s Public Programs team hosted a New Year’s Eve party there, complete with circus acts, jugglers, live music, and a countdown. The experience was also a popular Valentine’s Day location, made sweeter by culinary baskets complete with wine and chocolates ordered in advance. According to a 2019 survey of North Forest Lights participants, 29 percent of respondents were first-time visitors to the Crystal Bridges trails, suggesting that this event helped visitors connect with the museum’s nature offerings. Before opening for its second (and longer) season in September 2020, major adjustments were made to properly accommodate visitors with a limited capacity, to ensure safety and comfort for all guests. And once again, the community embraced its return. “One of the best parts of my job is to dream of the best guest experience we can imagine out on our trails and grounds,” said Bakker. “And to have leadership that supports all of the dreamers at this institution is a direct commitment to inspiring all of our guests throughout the Crystal Bridges experience. We are all particularly proud when we can offer our guests something truly unique and transformative.”

Special thanks to the sponsors of North Forest Lights: Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, Terri and Chuck Erwin, and Arvest Bank.