Walmart Museum

Preserving History, Rebuilding Legacy: The Reimagined Walmart Museum in Bentonville

Bentonville, AR

On Bentonville’s historic square, where the story of Walmart began, a beloved landmark has been reborn. The Walton’s 5 & 10 building, home to the Walmart Museum, has undergone a remarkable transformation that honors its past while preparing it for another century of storytelling.

What started as a renovation to open interior space between two connected 19th-century buildings quickly became a complete rebuild. During demolition, crews discovered that the original structures were too unstable to preserve. The solution: rebuild the museum from the ground up, brick by brick while maintaining every detail of its original character.

Crossland’s team meticulously removed and catalogued each historic 1880s brick, salvaging the red façade for reinstallation. A new structural system was designed beneath a faithful reproduction of the original exterior, complete with a copper cornice painted white, restored Carthage Marble accents, and specially selected narrow-joint bricks to match the historic scale.

Inside, the space blends nostalgia with innovation. Visitors can see Sam Walton’s iconic truck, walk through a recreation of the original Five and Dime store, and experience a holographic encounter with Sam himself. The museum’s design combines old-world craftsmanship with modern technology, offering an immersive experience that celebrates Walmart’s roots and future.

Constructing this project in one of Bentonville’s busiest areas demanded exceptional coordination. All major structural work happened at night, hauling 80 truckloads of dirt, installing a micropile foundation system, and setting steel with a crane that was assembled and disassembled nightly. By morning, sidewalks were spotless, and the square was open for business.

The result is more than a museum, it’s a living monument to entrepreneurship, resilience, and community. The reimagined Walmart Museum preserves a cherished piece of history while inspiring the next generation of dreamers who walk through its doors.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Community
Cost: $25,214,048
Size: 14,620 SF
Delivery Method: Negotiated, CM as Constructor
Self-Perform: Earthwork, Steel Erection, Concrete
Owner: Walmart Stores Inc.
Architect: Nielsen Architecture, LLC