Central High Museum: Echoes of Desegregation

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Explore the pivotal story of the Little Rock Nine and the desegregation of Central High School, a landmark in the Civil Rights Movement.

Located across from the historic Little Rock Central High School, the Central High Museum serves as a poignant reminder of the 1957 desegregation crisis. Through multimedia exhibits and guided tours, visitors explore the struggles and triumphs of the Little Rock Nine, the group of African American students who integrated the previously all-white school.

A brief summary to Central High Museum

2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, Central High Historic District, Arkansas, 72202, US
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Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Visit on a weekday for a more personal and less crowded experience.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits.
Check the museum's website for updates on hours and safety protocols.
Take advantage of the ranger-led guided tours for a deeper understanding of the events.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

The Magnolia/Mobil Service Station-Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Magnolia/Mobil Service Station: Echoes of the Civil Rights Struggle

Central High National Historic Site - Commemorative Garden

Central High Commemorative Garden: A Space for Reflection

Getting There

Walking

The Central High Museum is located at 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, directly across the street from Little Rock Central High School. If you are already in the Central High Historic District, the museum is easily accessible on foot. Just head towards the intersection of Daisy L Gatson Bates Drive and Park Street. The museum is located on the north-east corner of the intersection, in a renovated Magnolia Mobil gas station.
Public Transport

Rock Region Metro provides bus service throughout Little Rock. Check the Rock Region Metro website for the latest schedules and routes. Take a bus that goes towards downtown Little Rock. From the bus stop closest to Central High Museum, you may need to walk for about 15-20 minutes. Bus fares vary, so check the Rock Region Metro fare information before your trip.
Rideshare

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can provide a convenient way to reach the museum. Set your destination to 'Central High Museum, 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202'. The cost will depend on your location and the time of day, so check the fare estimate before confirming your ride.
Driving

If driving, take I-30 N and exit onto I-630 W towards Little Rock. Continue on I-630 W and take exit 2A for Broadway St. Turn right onto Broadway St (AR-365 N) and continue for about 1 mile. Turn left onto W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr. The museum will be on your left at 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr. Parking is available on-site. Parking in downtown Little Rock is also available in several garages and lots. You can use the ParkMobile App to pay for on-street parking.

Discover more about Central High Museum

The Central High Museum stands as a powerful testament to the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Situated directly across from Little Rock Central High School, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding the school's desegregation in 1957. The museum's exhibits feature photographs, documents, and personal stories that highlight the courage and resilience of the Little Rock Nine. These nine African American students faced immense adversity and played a pivotal role in the fight for equality and educational access. Visitors can explore interactive displays, news clippings, and original audio and video recordings that bring the events of the crisis to life. Ranger-led guided tours offer deeper insights into the historical significance of the site. These tours provide context to the events and allow visitors to reflect on the impact of the desegregation crisis on American society. The museum is located within the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, allowing tourists to appreciate the location's influence on civil rights legislation and social justice movements.