BENTONVILLE — Northwest Arkansas residents will have a chance to vote on the color of the signature penguins that will migrate to Bentonville with the opening of the 21c Museum Hotel near the downtown square next year.
Online voting began Monday and continues through Nov. 29 on the hotel’s Facebook page. Fans can choose between orange, fuchsia or green penguins. The winning color will be announced in early December.
The hotel is scheduled to open in the first quarter of next year, according to a news release. It will include a contemporary art museum, 104 guest rooms and The Hive restaurant.
Cracking Art Group will design the penguins for Bentonville. The art group also created the “Red Penguin” sculptures exhibited at the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Ky.
“Earlier this year, we were thrilled to see the community of Bentonville embrace the ‘Pink Snails’ by Cracking Art Group that were installed around the town square,” said Steve Wilson, founder and chief executive officer of 21c. “The level of engagement inspired us to ask the community to help us determine which color is the best fit for 21c Bentonville.”
Wilson said the penguins have become a part of the hotel. Guests interact with the penguins, taking photos with them or toting them along to dinner.