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Robinson Center: Little Rock's Premier Performance Venue

A historic Little Rock performing arts and convention center, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and events since 1939.

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The Robinson Center, a historic landmark in downtown Little Rock, has been a cultural hub since 1939. Following a lavish $70 million renovation, it stands as the crown jewel for performances, meetings, and events in the city.

A brief summary to Robinson Center

Local tips

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to ticketed events due to mandatory walk-through magnetometers and bag size restrictions.
  • Consider using the 550-space underground parking garage at Markham and Spring Streets for weather-protected parking.
  • Check the Robinson Center's official website for a list of banned items before attending an event.
  • Enjoy pre-show dining at Bridges Restaurant & Lounge, connected to the Robinson Center via the DoubleTree Hotel.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Old State House Museum, walk one block north on West Markham Street. Robinson Center will be on your left, across from Statehouse Plaza. This is a short, direct walk suitable for most visitors. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Rock Region METRO provides bus and streetcar services in downtown Little Rock. Several bus routes serve the Statehouse Plaza area. The METRO Streetcar also stops near Robinson Center, connecting it to other downtown attractions and North Little Rock. A single bus or streetcar fare is $1.25.

  • Parking

    The Robinson Center offers a 550-space underground parking garage accessible from Markham and Spring Streets. Several other parking options are available in the vicinity, including the Convention District Parking Deck at 2nd & Main Streets and surface lots. Parking costs vary, with garage rates typically ranging from $5-$20 depending on the event and duration. Street parking is also available, with rates around $0.50-$5 per hour.

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Discover more about Robinson Center

Robinson Center, located in downtown Little Rock's Statehouse Plaza, has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene since 1939. Named after Joseph Taylor Robinson, a former U.S. Senator, Congressman, and Arkansas Governor, the center has a rich history of hosting major events and performances. The center's architecture is notable, particularly the south façade of the Robinson Center Music Hall, which was designed by Eugene J. Stern and Wittenberg & Delony. Its columns echo the Greek Revival style of the nearby Old State House Museum. The Music Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 as the Joseph Taylor Robinson Municipal Auditorium. Over the years, Robinson Center has welcomed many famous performers, including Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, and Ray Charles. It has also hosted important events, such as lectures by Eleanor Roosevelt and speeches by four U.S. presidents: Dwight Eisenhower, Harry Truman, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. The venue was segregated until the mid-1960s. In 2017, Robinson Center reopened after a $70 million renovation that improved the theater, expanded lobby areas, and added a new ballroom overlooking the Arkansas River. The renovation also reconfigured the theater to create a more intimate audience experience. Today, Robinson Center continues to be Little Rock's premier performance and event venue. It is home to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and hosts traveling Broadway productions, concerts, and special events. The Robinson Center Conference Center offers meeting spaces, ballrooms, and a river-facing terrace for weddings, corporate gatherings, and conventions.

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