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Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: A Beacon of Black History in Arkansas

Explore Arkansas's African American heritage at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black history and culture.

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The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock stands as a monument to African American history and culture in Arkansas, particularly highlighting the legacy of the Mosaic Templars of America, a prominent Black fraternal organization. Through exhibits and educational programs, the center preserves and celebrates the achievements and experiences of Black Arkansans from 1870 to the present.

A brief summary to Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

Local tips

  • Admission to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all.
  • Take a self-guided tour using the maps available at the front desk to explore the exhibits at your own pace.
  • Groups of 10 or more can schedule a guided tour by contacting the museum's Education Department at least two weeks in advance.
  • Check the MTCC's website or call ahead to find out about special events, traveling exhibits, and community programs.
  • Bus parking is available on Arch Street, one block west of Broadway. Buses may also pull up next to the MTCC building on the Broadway Street side.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is located in downtown Little Rock at 501 W 9th St. If you are in the downtown area, for example, near the Old State House Museum, head north on Center Street, then turn left onto W 9th St. The museum will be on your left. The walk is about 0.6 miles and should take approximately 12 minutes. There is no cost for walking.

  • Public Transport

    Rock Region METRO provides bus service to the area. Check the Rock Region METRO website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the River Cities Travel Center, several routes will get you within a short walking distance of the MTCC. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From the Little Rock National Airport, a taxi or ride-share to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on traffic and the specific service. The trip is about 5 miles and should take around 10-15 minutes.

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Discover more about Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC) in Little Rock is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating Arkansas's African American history, culture, and community from 1870 to the present. It stands on the site of the original National Headquarters of the Mosaic Templars of America (MTA), a Black fraternal organization founded in 1883 that became one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the United States. The original headquarters, built in 1913, was a hub of Black culture and commerce on Little Rock's West 9th Street. The building housed offices, commercial spaces, and an auditorium that hosted community events and political discussions. Tragically, the original building was destroyed by fire in 2005, but a new state-of-the-art museum complex opened in 2008, replicating the original facade. The MTCC features permanent exhibits on the history of the MTA, the 9th Street business district, and notable Black Arkansans. The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame is also located within the center. Exhibits also cover a range of topics such as Black entrepreneurs and innovators, fraternal organizations, and the integration of schools in Arkansas. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits and offers educational outreach programs for students of all ages. Visitors can explore exhibits about the Crystal Bathhouse, an African American bathhouse in Hot Springs, the Velvatex College of Beauty Culture, and pioneers in African American history. Interactive exhibits, including a StoryFile featuring Civil Rights activist Andrew Young, provide unique and engaging experiences. The MTCC also provides lesson plans and outreach programs for students and teachers, ensuring that Arkansas's African American history is taught in schools. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is more than just a museum; it is a place of learning, reflection, and celebration of Black history and culture in Arkansas.

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