Old State House Museum, Little Rock Travel Guide

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Explore Arkansas's captivating past within the walls of its original State Capitol, the oldest standing west of the Mississippi.

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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 capitol building west of the Mississippi. From 1833, it has been a witness to key events in Arkansas history and now serves as a museum with exhibits and events open to the public.

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.

Admission is free, making it an affordable and enriching experience for all.
Check the museum's website for information on current and upcoming exhibits.
Consider a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the museum's exhibits and history.
Metered street parking is available, but the meters are not checked after 5 p.m. on weekdays or on weekends.

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Buy tickets

No tickets available

Book tours with entry

Self Guided Audio Walking Tour in Little Rock Downtown

$11.16

Book tours without entry

No tours available

Getting There

Walking

The Old State House Museum is located in downtown Little Rock at 300 W Markham St. From the River Market District, walk west on President Clinton Avenue, then turn left onto Center Street. Walk south for two blocks, and the museum will be directly in front of you. Walking distance is approximately 0.3 miles.
Public Transport

Rock Region Metro provides bus service to the area. From various locations in Arkansas Valley, take the bus to the Central Arkansas Library System or the nearest stop to W Markham St. From there, it's a short walk to the Old State House Museum at 300 W Markham St. A bus fare typically costs around $1.00.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Little Rock. Simply enter 'Old State House Museum, 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201' as your destination. The cost will vary depending on your starting point.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201. From I-30, take the Markham/Cantrell Street exit. Parking is available on the street and in nearby parking lots, but be mindful that some may have fees. Metered street parking is available. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks, including the Robinson Center Parking Garage (424 W Markham St) and the S Center St Lot (216 Center St). Parking fees vary.

Discover more about Old State House Museum

The Old State House Museum, located in downtown Little Rock, is a testament to Arkansas's rich history. As the oldest surviving state capitol building west of the Mississippi River, it stands as a tangible link to the state's formative years. Construction began in 1833, and since then, the building and its grounds have been the stage for many significant events in Arkansas history.The building itself is an architectural gem, originally designed in the Greek Revival style by Gideon Shryock. Budget limitations led to modifications, but the structure retains its imposing presence and historical character. It served as the state capitol until 1911, witnessing debates on secession, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Union General Frederick Steele even quartered his army here during the occupation.Today, the Old State House Museum interprets Arkansas history from statehood to the present. Permanent exhibits include displays on the building's history, political memorabilia, and first ladies' gowns. Visitors can also explore restored legislative chambers, including the 1836 and 1885 House of Representatives chambers. The museum also hosts temporary and traveling exhibits, ensuring a fresh perspective on Arkansas history and culture.The grounds of the Old State House have also played a role in more recent history. Governor Bill Clinton announced his presidential campaigns on the front lawn in 1992 and 1996, holding his victory night watch parties there. A monument to Confederate spy David O. Dodd also stands on the grounds.