Central High Museum: A Pivotal Civil Rights Landmark

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Explore the pivotal story of the Little Rock Nine and the Civil Rights Movement at this National Historic Site museum.

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Central High Museum

The Central High Museum, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, stands as a powerful testament to the Civil Rights Movement. Situated across from the still-functioning Little Rock Central High School, the museum chronicles the 1957 desegregation crisis when nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, bravely integrated the all-white school.

A brief summary to Central High Museum

2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, Central High Historic District, Arkansas, 72202, US
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Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Central High Museum.

Visit on weekdays to avoid large crowds and have a more personal experience.
Check the museum's schedule for special events or lectures to enhance your visit.
Take advantage of the ranger-led guided tours for a deeper understanding of the exhibits; reservations are required.
Allocate enough time to explore the surrounding historic site, including the Commemorative Garden and the Elizabeth Eckford Commemorative Bench.

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Getting There

Walking

If you are near downtown Little Rock, walking to the Central High Museum is feasible. Head west on W 7th Street until you reach W Daisy L Gatson Bates Drive. Turn left and walk for about 0.3 miles. The museum will be on your left. Walking from downtown will take approximately 30-40 minutes.
Public Transport

Rock Region METRO provides bus service to the Central High area. From downtown North Little Rock, take the Metro Streetcar towards Little Rock and get off at the 'Central High School' stop. From there, walk west on W 7th Street, then turn left onto W Daisy L Gatson Bates Drive. A single ride costs $1.35. The streetcar is fare-free.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Little Rock. A taxi ride from downtown Little Rock to the museum is approximately 3 miles and should cost around $11-$15, excluding surge pricing. Always confirm the fare before starting your trip.
Driving

From I-630, take Exit 2B (Dr. Martin Luther King Drive). Go south to W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. Turn right and continue 0.5 miles. The Visitor Center is on the right. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center. Traffic can be congested on school days between 8:30-9:00 a.m. and 3:30-4:00 p.m.

Discover more about Central High Museum

The Central High Museum offers a profound and moving experience, immersing visitors in the history of the 1957 Little Rock desegregation crisis. Located in the visitor center across from Little Rock Central High School, a National Historic Site, the museum uses exhibits, photos, and original audio and video recordings to tell the story of the Little Rock Nine and their courageous fight for equality.The museum provides historical context, detailing the events leading up to the integration crisis and the aftermath. Visitors can learn about the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision that declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional and how Little Rock became a crucial test of this ruling. The exhibits explore the perspectives of the students, their families, the community, and the nation, offering a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.While the high school itself remains a functioning school and is not generally open to the public, visitors can walk around the reflection pool and front steps. The museum's exhibits include video clips that convey the violence and anger faced by the Little Rock Nine. The museum is part of the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, allowing tourists to appreciate the influence this location had on civil rights legislation and social justice movements.