The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.
Job Description:
Position Title: Registrar of Collections
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Department: Curatorial
Reports to: Head Registrar
Date Reviewed: 6/25/2026
About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:
Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.
The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. You belong here: make the most of this moment.
Position Summary
Under general supervision of the Head Registrar, the Registrar of Collections is responsible for all registration functions related to managing the permanent collection of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (the “Museum”). This position administers a managed plan for the care, documentation, and display of the collection, and ensures the accuracy and recording of collections information.
The Registrar of Collections leads a focused team within the department and is responsible for the assignment and management of projects and tasks on his or her team. This position requires a high level of collaboration with internal and external colleagues and the ability to manage a wide range of projects in a fast-paced environment.
The Crystal Bridges collection is a dynamic and rapidly evolving resource spanning five centuries of American art, encompassing historical, modern, and contemporary works alongside significant holdings in craft, Indigenous art, architecture, and minerals. The Registrar of Collections advances collection care, documentation, and related activities across a broad range of media, locations, and uses, supporting acquisitions, commissions, loans, conservation, research, and activations throughout a 314,000 square foot museum and 134-acre campus and beyond.
The ideal candidate will embrace the possibilities of collection activation and public access, recognizing that Crystal Bridges sits at the heart of a growing art and wellness ecosystem where collections are experienced not only in galleries, but across campus, through research, learning, partnerships, and community engagement. Working closely with colleagues throughout Crystal Bridges and key partners including Art Bridges Foundation, this individual will help ensure that works of art enter the collection and go on view in ways that are appropriate and advance the museum’s mission and expand the reach of American art.
Principal Responsibilities
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In collaboration with the Head Registrar, Curatorial staff, Art Preparation and Collections Care team, and contract conservators, ensure the proper care, preservation and storage of collection objects.
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Work closely with Museum staff as well as donors, galleries, and artists on arrangements for donations, purchases and commissions.
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Administer the acquisitions process including preparing Temporary Custody Agreements, Deeds of Gift, Bills of Sale, and processing payment for purchases and commissions.
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Coordinate packing/shipping arrangements and manage paperwork, unpacking, condition-reporting, and intake of artwork at the Museum on approval or as promised gifts.
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Oversee collection documentation, data entry and reporting, and the creation and maintenance of object files.
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Collaborate with Curatorial , Exhibition Designer and Art Preparation and Collections Care on safe display of collection objects.
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Implement a managed plan of care for the Museum’s permanent collection, including arranging conservator visits of all specialties. As the collection grows, assess and revise the plan of care to accommodate changing needs. In coordination with Curatorial staff and Art Preparation and Collections Care team, develop budgets for on-site and off-site conservation and framing. Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with project budgets. Supervise the review and processing of all domestic and international outgoing loans requests.
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Prepare and deliver statistics for collections care activities, outgoing loans, and digital efforts for Board reports.
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Serve as supervisor to the collection registrars team, interns, and volunteers.
Additional Responsibilities
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Support registration functions for collections-based temporary exhibitions.
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Act as courier, to accompany exhibitions and loans worldwide.
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Assist with researching, recommending, and implementing new protocols.
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Keep apprised of approved and current registration standards as well as basic conservation guidelines for the care and handling of artworks of all media.
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Continue professional development to expand knowledge and become an authority on best practices and standards in the field.
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Complete special projects and basic research as assigned.
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Complete all other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and skill required for the job.
Qualifications & Skills:
Education, Training, and Traits
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Degree from accredited college or university required, with coursework in art, art history, museum studies or related field;
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Knowledge of American Art, and a familiarity with artists' materials required.
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Knowledge of principles and procedures of collections management record-keeping.
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Knowledge of art handling standards. • Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
Work Experience
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Minimum five years of experience in museum registration with a focus in collections and contract and record management.
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Minimum of one year proven supervisory and management experience.
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Experience using complex collections database applications, The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record required
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Ability to obtain valid passport
Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to exercise discretion.
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Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to accuracy and detail.
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Ability to multi-task and think critically.
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High degree of organization and self-motivation, including ability to take initiative, anticipate actions needed, and exercise independent judgment.
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Excellent problem-solving, organization and time-management skills.
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Excellent interpersonal and communications (both written and verbal) skills.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Physical demands: Position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and climbing. Position requires working at a desk and utilizing a computer for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision. Position requires use of hands to safely handle and move collection objects according to the most current approved museum standards. Position periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. While traveling with art, position requires sitting in trucks for extended periods over long distances.
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Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, galleries and art storage as well as being outside for extended periods during installation of outdoor art. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work requires independent travel as a courier to accompany exhibitions and loans worldwide. Occasional weekend, evening and night work hours also required.
All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.
Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
