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Historic Arkansas Museum: A Journey Through Arkansas's Past

Explore Arkansas's rich heritage through historic buildings, art, and living history at the Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock.

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The Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock brings the state's history to life through exhibits, restored buildings, and living history demonstrations. Explore Arkansas's frontier days and creative legacy in this engaging museum complex.

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 a schedule of living history demonstrations and special events.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the historic buildings and museum galleries.
  • Visit during the week for free parking; on weekends, there is a $5 parking fee.
  • Purchase a day pass for the METRO Streetcar to easily access the museum and other downtown attractions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the River Market District, walk south on President Clinton Avenue. Turn left onto E 3rd St. The Historic Arkansas Museum will be on your right, occupying the block between Scott St and Cumberland St.

  • Public Transport

    Take the METRO Streetcar to the '2nd at Scott' stop, which is directly adjacent to the Historic Arkansas Museum. A one-way ride is $2.70.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Little Rock, a taxi or ride-share to the Historic Arkansas Museum will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on the distance and demand.

  • Parking

    The Historic Arkansas Museum has a parking lot on the south side of the museum. Parking is free during the week and $5 on weekends. Several parking lots are also available in the surrounding blocks, with hourly rates typically ranging from $0.50 to $1.50. On-street parking is available and can be paid for using the ParkMobile app.

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Discover more about Historic Arkansas Museum

The Historic Arkansas Museum (HAM), originally known as the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, stands as a portal into the state's formative years. Founded in 1941 by Louise Loughborough, the museum preserves and interprets Arkansas's early history and creative spirit. What began as a half-block restoration has grown into a multi-block complex that includes some of Little Rock's oldest structures. The museum features a collection of historic buildings, including the Hinderliter Grog Shop (circa 1827), the oldest surviving building in Little Rock. Other preserved structures include the McVicar and Brownlee Houses from the 1840s and a reconstruction of the 1820s Arkansas Gazette print shop. A transplanted 1850s Plum Bayou Log House adds to the depiction of Arkansas's past. Costumed interpreters and craft demonstrations offer a glimpse into 19th-century life. Inside the museum center, visitors can explore galleries filled with Arkansas-made art and artifacts. Exhibits showcase a range of items, including furniture, quilts, firearms, and pottery. The museum also highlights the stories of the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw tribes in the "We Walk in Two Worlds" exhibit. The Historic Arkansas Museum is more than just a collection of old buildings; it's an immersive experience that connects visitors to the people and stories that shaped Arkansas.

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