CBMO (Crystal Bridges Momentary) is a quarterly publication designed to reflect the distinctive character of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and its Momentary events space in Bentonville, Arkansas. The museum, renowned for its celebration of the American spirit, resides on a lush 120-acre property featuring innovative architecture by Moshe Safdie, which harmonizes with the natural landscape.
Designed and art directed by New York design studio Gretel, CBMO launched alongside the 2023 Annie Leibovitz exhibition. The magazine captures the museum’s seamless blend of art, nature, and architectural beauty. Drawing inspiration from Safdie’s use of convex walls and the flowing ravine beneath the museum, the design incorporates editorial frameworks that mimic the curvature and fluidity of the space.
The typographic approach further reinforces these themes. Aro by General Type Studio is used for striking display elements, while Rhetorik Serif by AllCaps provides an elegant foundation for body text, headers, and captions. Complementing these, Halyard Display by Darden Studio lends versatility to headers and captions. Together, these typefaces create a visual rhythm that mirrors the museum’s architectural lines and the natural flow of its surroundings, offering readers a curated journey through the museum’s collection and events.