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Historic Arkansas Museum: A Journey Through Arkansas's Past

Explore Arkansas's history and art at the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. Discover historic homes, galleries, and unique Arkansas stories.

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The Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock brings the state's history to life through exhibits, restored pre-Civil War houses, and Arkansas-made art. Explore the oldest building in Little Rock and experience the state's frontier days.

A brief summary to Historic Arkansas Museum

  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for special events and programming, including living history demonstrations and workshops.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and historic houses.
  • Visit the museum store for unique Arkansas-made crafts and souvenirs.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Historic Arkansas Museum is located in downtown Little Rock. From the River Market District, walk east on 3rd Street for approximately 5 blocks. The museum will be on your left. There is no fee for walking.

  • Public Transport

    Several city buses stop near the Historic Arkansas Museum. Check the Rock Region METRO website for routes and schedules. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Little Rock. A short ride from the downtown area to the museum will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Parking

    There are several parking options near the Historic Arkansas Museum. Street parking is available, but may be limited. There are also paid parking lots and garages within a few blocks of the museum. Expect to pay around $2-$3 per hour, or $10-$15 for all-day parking.

Unlock the Best of Historic Arkansas Museum

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Discover more about Historic Arkansas Museum

The Historic Arkansas Museum (HAM), formerly known as the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, offers a captivating glimpse into Arkansas's rich history and artistic heritage. Founded in 1941, the museum began with a half-block of historic houses, including the Hinderliter House, the oldest building in Little Rock, dating back to 1827. This building served as a grog shop (tavern). Today, the museum has expanded to two city blocks and features a diverse array of exhibits and programs. The museum showcases Arkansas-made decorative, mechanical, and fine arts objects in its galleries. Five pre-Civil War houses have been restored to their original appearances, providing visitors with an immersive experience of life in antebellum Arkansas. These include the McVicar and Brownlee Houses from the 1840s, and the reconstructed Arkansas Gazette print shop from the 1820s. Costumed interpreters lead guided tours of the historic houses, portraying original residents and sharing stories of the past. Additionally, the museum features the transplanted Plum Bayou Log House, an 1850s plantation house from Scott, Arkansas. The Historic Arkansas Museum's mission is to communicate the early history of Arkansas and its creative legacy through preserving, interpreting, and presenting stories and collections for the education and enjoyment of the people it serves.

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