The Amazeum in Bentonville just unveiled its first new permanent exhibition in a decade, and it’s already sparking creativity among its visitors. The Materials Lab, which opened its doors on February 28, is a hands-on making space where guests can dive into the art of building, testing, and experimenting with one featured material at a time. The debut material might seem ordinary—cardboard—but the possibilities are anything but.
On Saturday, young creators like Warren Smith from Siloam Springs were busy transforming cardboard into imaginative creations. Guided by Daniel Hart, a team engagement specialist at the Amazeum, Warren and his father, Brian Smith, spent the afternoon cutting, folding, and connecting pieces of cardboard into something uniquely their own. The excitement in the room was palpable, with kids and adults alike getting lost in the process of creation.
The choice of cardboard as the starting material was intentional. It’s accessible, familiar, and surprisingly versatile. The Amazeum wants visitors to see beyond the box—literally—and explore the potential that lies within such a humble material. From intricate sculptures to functional structures, the exhibition encourages all ages to let their imaginations run wild.
This exhibition isn’t static; it’s designed to evolve. The Amazeum plans to rotate the featured material every six months, keeping the experience fresh and inviting visitors to return and create with new textures and techniques. While cardboard is the star of the show now, future materials might include textiles, plastics, or even metals.
The Materials Lab marks a significant milestone for the Amazeum, known for its commitment to interactive learning and creative exploration. It’s a place where the community can come together, rediscover play as a form of learning, and perhaps even find a new favorite hobby. The lab’s hands-on approach aligns perfectly with the Amazeum’s mission to inspire curiosity and fuel a lifelong love of making and exploring.
If you’ve got a budding artist or an engineer in the family, the Amazeum’s Materials Lab might just be the perfect weekend activity. Tucked near the heart of Bentonville, it offers a creative escape where the only limit is your imagination. Just don’t wait too long—before you know it, the cardboard creations will give way to the next exciting material.
For more information on the Amazeum’s new exhibition or to plan your visit, you might also want to check out upcoming events in the area, like the Cane Hill Kite Festival happening soon.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
