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

Explore Arkansas's African American heritage at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a nationally-accredited museum in Little Rock dedicated to Black history and culture.

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The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock stands as a tribute to Arkansas's African American history, culture, and community from 1870 to the present. Located on the site of the original Mosaic Templars of America headquarters, the museum showcases Black achievements, particularly in business, politics, and the arts.

A brief summary to Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

  • 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

Local tips

  • Admission to the museum is free, allowing everyone to explore and learn about Arkansas's African American history.
  • Visit Tuesday through Saturday between 9 am and 5 pm to explore the exhibits.
  • Take a self-guided tour using the free maps available at the front desk, or schedule a guided tour in advance for groups of 10 or more.
  • Check the MTCC's website or call ahead to find out about special events, exhibits, and programs that may be happening during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is located in downtown Little Rock at 501 W 9th St. From the River Market District, head south on Main Street, then turn west onto 9th Street. The museum will be on your right, a few blocks down. Walking from the Central High School National Historic Site, head north on Daisy Bates Drive, then turn east onto 9th Street. The museum will be on your left. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Rock Region METRO operates several bus routes that stop near the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Check the Rock Region METRO website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the River Cities Travel Center, several routes will take you within a few blocks of the museum. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Driving

    The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is located at 501 W 9th St in downtown Little Rock. From I-30, take the 6th Street exit and head west. Turn south onto Broadway Street, then turn west onto 9th Street. The museum will be on your right. Parking is available in the lot to the west of the building or on Arch Street. Street parking is also available, but may be limited on weekdays. Several parking lots are also located nearby. Metered street parking typically costs $1 per hour. Parking in nearby lots and garages ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour.

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Discover more about Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC) is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating Arkansas's African American history, culture, and community. The museum's name comes from the Mosaic Templars of America (MTA), a Black fraternal organization founded in Little Rock in 1883 by John E. Bush and Chester W. Keatts, both former slaves. The MTA provided illness, death, and burial insurance to Black people during a time when such services were scarce. At its peak, it was one of the largest Black fraternal societies in the United States. The original MTA headquarters, built in 1913, was a hub for the Black community on Little Rock's West 9th Street, a thriving Black business district. The building fell into disrepair and was slated for demolition in 1992, but was saved by the Mosaic Templars Preservation Society. Although the original building was destroyed by fire in 2005, the state persevered, constructing a new building on the same site. The MTCC opened in 2008 as the first publicly funded museum of African American history and culture in Arkansas. The museum features permanent exhibits on the history of the MTA, the 9th Street business district, and notable Black Arkansans. It also houses the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and a replica of the original MTA auditorium. Beyond exhibits, the MTCC offers educational programs and resources for students and teachers.

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