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Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: A Tribute to Black History

Explore Arkansas's African American heritage at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a museum preserving history and celebrating 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. Located on the historic 9th Street, once a thriving Black business district, the center preserves and celebrates the legacy of the Mosaic Templars of America and the achievements of Black Arkansans.

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 and enriching experience for all visitors.
  • Visit between Tuesday and Saturday, as the center is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
  • Consider scheduling a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits, especially if you're visiting with a group.
  • Check the MTCC's website or social media for information on special events, exhibits, and programs happening during your visit.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and learn about the rich history and culture it preserves.
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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, such as near the River Market District or the Statehouse Convention Center, walking is a viable option. Head west on 9th Street towards Broadway Street. The museum will be on your left. Allow approximately 10-15 minutes to walk from the River Market area. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Rock Region METRO provides bus service to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Check the Rock Region METRO website or app for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules. Several routes serve the downtown area, and you can transfer to a route that stops near 9th and Broadway. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Little Rock. Request a ride to 501 W 9th St, Little Rock. From the River Market District, a taxi or ride-sharing service will cost approximately $8-$12, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Parking

    Street parking is available near the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, but it can be limited on weekdays. There are also several parking lots in the area, including a lot to the west of the building and on Arch Street. Rates vary, but expect to pay around $0.50-$1.50 per hour. Some nearby parking options include the Judd Lot at 330 W. 9th St.

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Discover more about Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC) is more than just a museum; it's a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating Arkansas's African American history, culture, and community from 1870 to the present. The center's story is deeply intertwined with the Mosaic Templars of America (MTA), a Black fraternal organization founded in Little Rock in 1883. The MTA's national headquarters once stood on this very site, at the corner of 9th Street and Broadway, a testament to the organization's significant impact. In 2001, the Arkansas General Assembly established the MTCC to honor the MTA and African American history. Although initial plans aimed to restore the original 1913 MTA building, a fire in 2005 led to the construction of a new, state-of-the-art museum. The new 35,000-square-foot facility opened in 2008 and features exhibits, classrooms, staff offices, and an auditorium. The facade is a recreation of the 1913 building, preserving the historical look and feel of the original. The MTCC's exhibits showcase various aspects of African American life in Arkansas, including entrepreneurship, fraternal organizations, and the struggle for racial integration. Visitors can explore the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, a replica of the original MTA auditorium, and exhibits on the history of 9th Street, the Negro Motorist Green Book, and the Velvatex College of Beauty Culture. The center also hosts traveling exhibits and offers educational outreach programs for students and teachers across the state. The MTCC is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, offering free admission and self-guided tours. Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more with advance notice. The center also hosts special events throughout the year, including Juneteenth celebrations.

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