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Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: A Testament to Black Achievement

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 beacon of African American history and culture in Arkansas. It preserves and celebrates the legacy of the Mosaic Templars of America and the achievements of Black Arkansans from 1870 to the present.

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, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
  • Check the museum's website or call ahead to find out about special events, traveling exhibits, and programs.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and learn about the rich history and culture on display.
  • Groups of 10 or more can schedule a guided tour by contacting the museum's Education Department at least two weeks in advance.
  • Bus parking is available on Arch Street, one block west of Broadway. School buses can pull up on the Broadway Street side of the building for student drop-off.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is located in downtown Little Rock, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions and hotels. From the River Market District, head south on Main Street, then turn left onto 9th Street. The museum will be on your right, at the corner of 9th and Broadway. Walking time is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Rock Region METRO provides bus service to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Several routes stop near the intersection of 9th Street and Broadway. Check the Rock Region METRO website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Little Rock. A ride from the River Market District to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Parking

    Parking is available in the parking lot to the west of the museum building and on Arch Street. Several parking lots are within walking distance of the museum. Rates typically range from $5 to $10 per hour.

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Discover more about Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC) is located in downtown Little Rock on the corner of 9th Street and Broadway, an area that was once the heart of the city's thriving Black business district. The museum's name pays homage to the Mosaic Templars of America (MTA), a Black fraternal organization founded in Little Rock in 1883 by two former slaves. The MTA grew into one of the largest Black fraternal societies in the United States, providing insurance and business opportunities to its members. The original MTA headquarters, built in 1913, was a symbol of Black economic success and community pride. Though the organization was forced out of business during the Great Depression, its legacy lives on through the MTCC. The original building was destroyed by fire in 2005, but the State of Arkansas rebuilt it as a state-of-the-art museum complex, completed in 2008. The facade of the new building is a replica of the 1913 structure, including the Annex building facade. The MTCC's mission is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate African American history, culture, and community 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 facsimile of the original MTA auditorium, a historic community space. The museum hosts traveling exhibits and offers educational outreach programs across Arkansas. These programs include lesson plans and resources for students and teachers, ensuring that Black history is taught in schools throughout the state. Visitors can explore exhibits on African American entrepreneurs and innovators, fraternal organizations, and racial integration. The museum also highlights the impact of the Little Rock Nine and the integration of the Hoxie School District. Interactive exhibits, including a 360° theater and a children's gallery, provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. The MTCC is more than just a museum; it is a cultural center that offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including Juneteenth celebrations and workshops.

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