10 Best Little Rock Museums
Where to Discover Little Rock’s History, Art, and Culture?
Little Rock’s best museums celebrate the city’s storied history, from the elections and tenures of President Bill Clinton to the birth of General Douglas MacArthur. Other museums highlight the importance of agriculture to the state of Arkansas through the years and the state’s military history, dating to the Civil War.
Beyond the historical museums, visitors will find an outdoor garden filled with whimsical sculptures and a unique museum that delves into the world of women’s purses. Families will also find opportunities to keep the children active at museums loaded with hands-on exhibits.
1. Historic Arkansas Museum
History in the heart of downtown
Categoría: Historia, Foto, Económico
The Historic Arkansas Museum is made up of 4 major historic buildings, including the oldest building in Little Rock. The museum is known for its living history actors who depict the area’s original owners, workers, and slaves.
The museum opened its doors in 1941, but it has continued to make improvements over the years: In 2001 it opened a 51,000-square-foot museum center featuring an exhibition space, performance theater, and education and research wing. In 2005, it added an 1850s-style farmstead on a half-block area, complete with a timber-frame smokehouse, outhouse, and raised gardens. Be sure to check out the museum store, which features Arkansas-made gifts and art.
Ubicación: 200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 501-324-9351
Historic Arkansas Museum
2. William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
The story of the 42nd president
Categoría: Historia, Familias
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum includes over 100,000 objects and works of art, the 42nd president has been given a lot of gifts over the years. The museum’s permanent exhibits highlight the work of Bill Clinton and his time in the White House through artifacts, photos, and video clips.
Visitors will find exhibits spread over 3 floors. The 1st floor houses a presidential limousine, while the 2nd floor has a replica of the White House Cabinet Room. The 3rd floor houses a replica of the Oval Office and exhibits about life in the White House. Tours are available for individuals and guided groups.
Ubicación: 1200 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Horarios: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm
Teléfono: +1 501-370-8000
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William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
3. Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
An art lover’s paradise
Categoría: Económico, Ir de compras, Historia
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts boasts a collection of 14,000 objects, including works by Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, Andrew Wyeth, and Edgar Degas. One of the more important elements of the museum’s collection is the works of Paul Signac. The museum also features live theater and educational programs.
The museum itself, which opened in 1937, is an architectural delight that has been renovated and will surely wow fans of Art Deco architecture. Admission is free, and there are shopping and dining options to explore. Make sure to check out the museum’s free mobile guide, which has a map of the museum and a series of audio tours.
Ubicación: 501 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
Horarios: Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday–Friday from 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 501-372-4000
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
4. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
Vessels on the banks of the Arkansas River
Categoría: Historia, Exótico
If you’re looking for a museum that will really surprise you, visit The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. World War II vessels along the shores of the Arkansas River? Indeed. The USS Razorback Submarine was launched on January 27, 1944, and the tugboat USS Hoga is best known for her actions during the Pearl Harbor attack. The public can tour both vessels but be advised that a vertical ladder climb is necessary to enter the submarine.
To really immerse yourself and your travel group in the world of a submarine, reserve a Submarine Sleepover and sleep in the refurbished bunks in the tight crew’s quarters. Plan your visit accordingly, as the museum has summer hours and winter hours.
Ubicación: 120 Riverfront Park Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA
Horarios: Winter hours: Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed on Monday–Thursday). Summer hours: Wednesday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Teléfono: +1 501-371-8320
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
5. Plantation Agriculture Museum
Arkansas’ agricultural history
Categoría: Historia, Familias
The Plantation Agriculture Museum is highly interactive, allowing visitors to learn about the role of cotton in Arkansas’ history and economy. Live demonstrations include water pumping and cotton ginning. There are 3 historic structures to tour. The main museum was built as a general store in 1912, the Dortch Gin Exhibit features a 1916 cotton gin, and Seed Warehouse No. 5 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum serves as the site of the Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show. Visitors will need to plan for transportation as the museum is in the small agricultural community of Scott, which is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Little Rock.
Ubicación: 4815 AR-161, Scott, AR 72142, USA
Horarios: Wednesday–Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Teléfono: +1 501-961-1409
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Plantation Agriculture Museum
6. Old State House Museum
Oldest state capitol building west of the Mississippi
Categoría: Historia, Exótico
The Old State House Museum was the capitol building of Arkansas from 1842 to 1912. It has served as a medical school, a war memorial, and a government office building. Today, it’s a museum, and the front entrance was the site of President Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign announcement in 1991. It was also the site of his election night celebrations in 1992 and 1996.
The museum’s exhibits chronicle Arkansas’ history since its 1836 statehood. Visitors will see first ladies’ gowns, African American quilts, Civil War battle flags, and Arkansas-made pottery. While visiting, keep an eye out for ghosts. Visitors are said to have seen the lingering spirits of legislators as they explore the chambers.
Ubicación: 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 501-324-9685
Old State House Museum
7. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
A guide to the military history of the state
Categoría: Historia, Familias
The grounds of the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History have seen some significant events. It was the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur, and it was also the starting place of the Camden Expedition, the final campaign conducted by the Union Army in south Arkansas during the Civil War.
Visitors to the museum will learn about the stories of Arkansas’ soldiers from the Civil War through the Vietnam War via artifacts, weapons, uniforms, and photographs. If your visit lines up with the monthly event, consider attending the “Movies at MacArthur” film series with complimentary popcorn and drinks available.
Ubicación: 503 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 501-376-4602
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
8. Vogel Schwarz Sculpture Garden
Whimsical sculptures along a riverfront
Categoría: Familias, Exótico
The Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden provides a bit of whimsy for the city of Little Rock. The garden features more than 90 works of art created by sculptors from Arkansas and across the country. A winding path along the banks of the Arkansas River allows visitors to enjoy an easy stroll while admiring the dozens of works.
The garden is home to an annual event called Sculpture in the River Market. Each year, the committee selects a piece to be added to the collection, so it’s a garden that is continually growing. Try to carve out plenty of time to enjoy the variety of structures and a pleasant walk.
Ubicación: Arkansas River Trail, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Horarios: 24/7
Teléfono: +1 501-375-2552
Vogel Schwarz Sculpture Garden
9. Esse Purse Museum and Store
A celebration of women’s handbags and women’s history
Categoría: Historia, Exótico, Ir de compras
The Esse Purse Museum and Store seeks to show visitors that a purse isn’t just a bag for a woman to carry essentials. A purse can be seen as an extension of a woman’s personal space. The museum’s permanent exhibit highlights the progression of the 20th-century American woman via her handbag and the contents within. The exhibit takes visitors on a decade-by-decade journey of this material culture.
Temporary exhibits center around the museum’s core mission of empowering and honoring all women. Of course, visitors will also want to visit the museum’s store, with its collection of unique handbags. The store also carries eclectic jewelry, scarves, books, and other items.
Ubicación: 1510 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 501-916-9022
Esse Purse Museum and Store
10. Museum of Discovery
Interactive exhibits with a focus on science
Categoría: Familias, Historia
The Museum of Discovery’s goal is to be a place where science sparks curiosity. The museum is designed for visitors of all ages, but 2 recently opened galleries, Small Fish Fry Camp and Curiosity Spot, present various hands-on learning activities for the little ones.
Visitors will find a variety of interactive science exhibits and experiences. Contact the museum to learn about upcoming events, including sensory-friendly hours, and make sure to check out the Guinness World Record musical bi-polar Tesla coil, which creates 250,000 volts of electricity at a high frequency visible to the eye.
Ubicación: 500 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 501-396-7050
Museum of Discovery
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