Old State House Museum, Central Arkansas Travel Guide

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Explore Arkansas's rich history at the Old State House Museum, the oldest state capitol building west of the Mississippi, in downtown Little Rock.

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Old State House Museum

The Old State House Museum in Little Rock is the original state capitol of Arkansas and the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Built in 1833, it witnessed pivotal moments in Arkansas history and now houses exhibits showcasing the state's past, from its first families to political milestones.

A brief summary to Old State House Museum

300 W Markham St, Little Rock, Downtown, Arkansas, 72201, US
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Old State House Museum.

Visit on weekdays for a less crowded experience and more time to explore the exhibits.
Check the museum's schedule for special events, temporary exhibits, and guided tours.
Take advantage of the free admission to fully explore the museum's collections and exhibits.
Don't miss the First Ladies' Gowns exhibit, showcasing the elegant attire of Arkansas's former first ladies.
Wander the museum grounds to see the memorial to Confederate spy David O. Dodd.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

The Old Mill

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Arkansas Walk of Fame

Arkansas Grand Canyon

Rock House Cave

Explore Old State House Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Old State House Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the River Market District, head south on President Clinton Avenue towards the Arkansas River. Turn left onto Main Street and walk south for two blocks. Turn right onto W Markham Street; the Old State House Museum will be on your left. This is approximately a 5-10 minute walk. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

Take any Rock Region Metro bus route that stops near the intersection of Markham and Main Streets. From the bus stop, walk west on W Markham Street to the Old State House Museum. A single bus fare is typically around $1.00.
Taxi/Ride Share

From any downtown Little Rock location, use a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft and provide the address: 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201. The cost will vary depending on your starting point, but expect to pay between $8 and $15 for a short trip within downtown.
Driving

Approaching from I-30, take the Markham/Cantrell Street exit. Veer right onto the 2nd Street exit and stay on 2nd Street until you reach Center Street, then turn right. Center Street dead ends directly in front of the Old State House Museum. Parking is available in the garage underneath the DoubleTree Hotel or at metered spots on the surrounding streets. Metered parking is free after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend. Nearby parking garages charge hourly rates, typically $2-$3 per hour.

Discover more about Old State House Museum

Step back in time at the Old State House Museum, a beautifully preserved landmark in downtown Little Rock. This Greek Revival building, completed in 1842, served as Arkansas's first state capitol until 1911 and is the oldest state capitol building west of the Mississippi. Inside, explore exhibits that chronicle Arkansas's journey from statehood to the present. See the restored 1836 and 1885 House of Representatives chambers, and learn about the state's political history. Admire the inaugural gowns of Arkansas's First Ladies and discover unique artifacts related to the state's first families. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions covering diverse topics such as Arkansas's role in the Civil War.The Old State House Museum isn't just a repository of artifacts; it's a living testament to Arkansas's vibrant history. The grounds themselves are significant, having hosted President Bill Clinton's election night victory celebrations in 1992 and 1996. With free admission and a variety of programs, the museum offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.