Old State House Museum
4.7(748)google
4.4(31)yelp
HistoryEducationalHistoric Building
Overview
The Old State House, formerly called the Arkansas State House, is the oldest surviving state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. It was the capitol building of Arkansas from 1842 to 1912, when the new Arkansas State Capitol was completed. It was the site of the secession convention, as well as the fourth constitutional convention when delegates agreed to ensure voting rights for freedmen and establish public education.
Practical Info
MonClosed
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun1:00 – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeOutstanding year-round. Visiting between 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM is highly recommended; the crisp morning light perfectly accentuates the grand Greek Revival architecture and its massive, blindingly white historic columns. This mansion served as the state's original capitol and the iconic backdrop for Bill Clinton's landmark 1992 presidential victory announcement.
Getting TherePerfectly nestled at 300 W Markham St along the downtown Riverfront pedestrian zones. The building sits inside gated historic grounds; park at the adjacent paid underground Convention Center Garage or seek local street meters. The complimentary METRO Streetcar line drops passengers directly at the Old State House transit platform right outside.
Travel Tips
- As a National Historic Landmark completed in 1836, structural retrofitting of passenger elevators is prohibited. While first-floor exhibition floors support basic wheel accessibility, the signature second-story House of Representatives Chamber is stair-only.
- The historic galleries house delicate state constitution drafts and historical inaugural gowns vulnerable to dust and contact. Cargo bags measuring larger than standard 11 x 14 inches are barred by guard checkpoints; users must leave large items in their vehicles.
- The historic property possesses zero private tourist parking individual stalls in the downtown grid. Visitors must use Markham Street municipal digital short-term meters; occupying commercial loading lines results in immediate towing inside 15 minutes.
Reviews
Positive
- The oldest surviving Greek Revival state capitol west of the Mississippi; its grand white Doric columns are remarkably stunning and photogenic.
- The historic site of Clinton's presidential victory speeches, housing beautifully restored chambers and a spectacular collection of First Ladies' gowns.
- The museum is 100% free admission, keeping galleries perfectly chilled with central AC and providing a highly peaceful, quiet educational vibe.
- Boasting a prime downtown location, the mansion is surrounded by a lovely historic fountain garden well-equipped with resting benches.
Heads up
- The museum lacks a dedicated free parking lot; visitors must rely on pricey city curbside metered street parking or nearby commercial garages.
- The exhibits lean heavily into dense local legislative history and old political documents, which can feel dry and boring for young kids.
- Security rules are a bit rigid regarding photography; using camera flashes is strictly prohibited in the delicate textile and gown galleries.
- The historic 19th-century layout features compact side corridors and lacks modern digital multimedia touchscreens to break up the text blocks.