
Best Museums & Art Galleries in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
1. Arkansas Arts Center
A vibrant cultural center featuring visual arts, dance, music, and theater. Showcases diverse exhibitions, including local and international artists.
- Unique Exhibits: Offers temporary and permanent exhibits that change regularly.
- Arkansas Children's Theatre: Provides educational and entertaining performances for kids.
- Stone Sculpture Garden: Features outdoor sculptures by renowned artists.
2. Museum of Discovery
An interactive science and history museum that engages visitors through hands-on exhibits and educational programs.
- Dinosaur Gallery: Houses a unique collection of dinosaur fossils and casts.
- Innovation Station: Provides an area for creative invention and problem-solving activities.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly features new, exciting exhibitions on various topics.
3. Museum of Native American History
A museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the culture, history, and art of Native Americans in Arkansas.
- Authentic Artifacts: Displays a vast collection of Native American artifacts, including tools, pottery, and weapons.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly features new exhibitions focused on different tribes and aspects of Native American history.
- Educational Programs: Offers programs for children, schools, and groups to learn about Native American culture.
4. Old State House Museum
A museum that tells the story of Arkansas's history and political development.
- Permanent Exhibits: Features exhibitions on Arkansas's history, including the Civil War and civil rights movement.
- Historic Architecture: Housed in a historic building that served as the state capitol from 1836 to 1911.
- Special Events: Hosts events throughout the year, such as lectures and living history presentations.
5. Winthrop Rockefeller Institute
An art gallery located on a scenic Arkansas state park with changing exhibitions and artist residencies.
- Natural Setting: Set in the beautiful Petit Jean State Park, providing a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere.
- Artist Residencies: Provides artists with residency opportunities to create new work inspired by the park's natural beauty.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly features exhibitions showcasing contemporary and traditional artworks.
6. Central Arkansas Library System - Main Branch
A library that houses a significant collection of art and hosts exhibitions by local artists.
- Art Collection: Features a vast collection of artwork, including prints, paintings, and sculptures.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly features exhibitions by local artists and changing exhibits.
- Community Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and other programs for the community to engage with art.
7. University of Arkansas at Little Rock: Fine Arts Center Gallery
A university art gallery that showcases contemporary and traditional artwork by local, national, and international artists.
- Contemporary Artwork: Features exhibitions of cutting-edge and innovative contemporary art.
- UALR Artist Series: Hosts talks, performances, and workshops by renowned artists.
- Student Artwork: Provides opportunities for students to showcase their artwork in exhibitions.
8. Little Rock Air Force Base Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of the Little Rock Air Force Base and military aviation.
- Military History: Displays artifacts, aircraft, and exhibits related to the history of the base and military aviation.
- Aircraft Restoration: Involved in restoring historic aircraft for public display.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about military history and aviation.
9. Arkansas Governor's Mansion Art Gallery
An art gallery located in the Arkansas Governor's Mansion showcasing artwork by Arkansas artists.
- Governor's Collection: Features artworks collected by the Governors of Arkansas.
- Changing Exhibits: Regularly features exhibitions showcasing artwork by Arkansas artists.
- Artist Receptions: Hosts artist receptions and openings for exhibitions.
10. Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas
A museum offering interactive science exhibits and visual arts programming for all ages.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features hands-on science exhibits that make learning fun.
- Art Gallery: Showcases visual art exhibitions by regional and national artists.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, camps, and classes for all ages to explore art and science.
11. Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub
An innovation center that combines maker spaces, classrooms, and galleries for creativity and learning.
- Maker Spaces: Provides tools and resources for tinkering, prototyping, and creating.
- Art Gallery: Showcases artwork by local and regional artists.
- Educational Programs: Offers classes, workshops, and camps on art, technology, and innovation.
12. Windgate Charitable Foundation Art & Education Center
An educational center dedicated to textile arts, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and a studio.
- Textile Arts: Focuses on the exploration of textile arts through exhibitions, workshops, and classes.
- Windgate Studio: Provides a space for artists to create new work using textile materials.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly features exhibitions showcasing contemporary and traditional textile artworks.
13. William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
A museum dedicated to the life and presidency of William J. Clinton, as well as American history.
- Presidential Artifacts: Displays artifacts from Clinton's presidential years and his personal collection.
- Oral History Program: Features recorded interviews with key figures in American politics and history.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about American history, politics, and the presidency.
14. Historic Arkansas Museum
A museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing Arkansas's history, including its art and culture.
- Permanent Exhibits: Features exhibitions on various aspects of Arkansas's history.
- Historic Buildings: Includes restored historic buildings, such as the MacArthur House and a blacksmith shop.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and other programs for the community to learn about Arkansas's history.
15. The Studio by The Arts Center of Mississippi County
An art gallery and studio space dedicated to fostering the artistic community in Mississippi County.
- Community Art Gallery: Features exhibitions by local artists, as well as visiting artists.
- Art Studio Space: Provides studio space for artists to create and work on their projects.
- Workshops and Classes: Offers workshops, classes, and other opportunities for artistic growth.