Local Museums
All you need to know about Hot Springs and Little rocks, local museums
This area boasts an incredible array of museums! From historic bathhouses to exhibits on notorious gangsters and even unique experiences like stepping into one of only two purse museums in the world, there truly is something for everyone to explore. I'd love to offer a few recommendations, and I hope you get the chance to experience these local gems and learn more about what the Natural State has to offer!
Museums in Hot Springs:
Mid-America Science Museum
A pioneer in hands-on science learning, Mid-America Science Museum has been a resource for innovative STEM education since its opening in 1979. We envision a world where lives are enriched, and our community is elevated through unique experiences in science.
501-767-3461
Hours of Operation: Tue-Sat 9:00-5:00 & Sun 1:00- 5:00
Adults: $12 Children 12&Under: $10 Seniors (65+)- $11 Active Retired Military: $11
Gangster Museum of American
Historical entertaining account of how some of the most notorious criminals in America co-existed with the quaint population of this little Valley town in the mountains of Central AR. Play in the antique casino and hear the historian in the museum theater relate who, what, when, and where stories that are fascinating, informative, and educational.
The audiovisual experience of the 7 galleries is in itself worth the price of admission.
501-318-1717
Hours of Operation: Sun-Th 10:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
Fri & Sat 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.
GA: $15 Seniors:$14 Children 8-12: $6 Under 8: Free
The Fordyce Bathhouse
Opened in 1915, the Fordyce Bathhouse was a marvel of its time. Designed by Mann and Stern, the structure cost over $212,000 and is the largest on the entire Row, spanning roughly 28,000 square feet over three floors, two courtyards, and a basement. The Fordyce shuttered its doors on June 30, 1962—the first on the Row to do so. Today, however, it has been beautifully restored and serves as a fully furnished, historical museum for visitors to enjoy.
501-620-6715
Hours of Operation: Daily 9-5
Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
No trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas, is complete without experiencing the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Following in the tradition of her great-grandmother, Madame Tussaud, Josephine devoted her life to the captivating world of wax. Step into a timeless fascination as you explore Seven Magical Worlds of Wax, featuring over 30 magnificent settings. You'll have a front-row ticket to history, fantasy, and pop culture. You can expect to see celebrities, royalty, and presidents, along with historically accurate battle scenes, a breathtaking recreation of Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper," and the wonders of Fantasy Land. The figures are so lifelike, you truly won't believe your eyes!
501-620-6715
Hours of Operation: Daily 9-8
Museums in Little Rock:
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is the premier cultural institution in the state, offering guests an unparalleled fusion of visual and performing arts experiences alongside dynamic educational programming. The Museum’s permanent collection, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Collection, is an international collection of over 14,000 works spanning eight centuries. Highlights include strong holdings in works on paper and contemporary craft, as well as art by significant artists from Arkansas and the American South. In addition to this core collection, the Museum regularly hosts a dynamic schedule of rotating special exhibitions.
501-372-4000
Monday / Closed
Tuesday, 10am- 5pm
Wednesday - Friday, 10am- 8pm /Saturday, 10am- 5pm / Sunday, 12pm- 5pm
The Clinton Library
The Clinton Presidential Center offers visitors a dynamic and comprehensive look at the legacy, work, and future endeavors of President Bill Clinton. Through interactive exhibitions and compelling public programs, we provide diverse educational and cultural experiences throughout the year for guests of every age.
Conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Little Rock, the Center rests on the banks of the Arkansas River at the juncture of the lively River Market District and the developing East Village.
The Center’s campus includes permanent exhibitions that vividly chronicle American history during the transition to the 21st century, alongside engaging special exhibitions suitable for the whole family. The grounds also encompass 30 acres of public parkland, an award-winning restaurant, and a museum store featuring a curated collection of unique gifts and memorabilia.
501-370-8000
Friday, 9AM–5PM /Saturday, 9AM–5PM /Sunday, 1–5PM
Monday, 9AM–5PM /Tuesday, 9AM–5PM /Wednesday, 9AM–5PM /Thursday, 9AM–5PM
Museum of Discovery
Our galleries feature over 10 diverse exhibits full of interactive experiences that spark interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) for all ages. Whether you visit for an afternoon or come back again and again, there's always something new to discover. Extend the learning and fun through our exciting Summer Camps and convenient Parents' Night Out programs.
501-396-7050
Tuesday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
Adults: $14
Children 12 and younger: $12 *
Seniors 60 and older: $12
Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
Discover Arkansas's natural heritage at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, a $16,232$ square-foot educational hub that opened on December 17, 2008.
Set on $3.4$ acres within the Julius Breckling Riverfront Park, the center offers beautiful views of the Arkansas River. Its prime location in the River Market District places it right next to the Museum of Discovery and the Clinton Presidential Library, and it is within walking distance of the State House Convention Center.
The center's focus is to showcase the wide array of fish and wildlife resources and the outdoor recreational opportunities available in Arkansas. Engaging exhibits tell the story of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and its history of management and conservation projects. The riverfront setting is perfect for watchable wildlife activities within the city—keep an eye out for basking water turtles, colorful butterflies, and even migrating pelicans! The grounds, which include native plant beds and a segment of the Arkansas River Trail, invite further exploration. Inside, visitors can enjoy the exhibit hall, aquariums, a theater, and various special educational programs.
501-251-1083
Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30-4:30
The Historic Arkansas Museum
Located on a historic city block, the Historic Arkansas Museum is a key Little Rock landmark and the home of the city's oldest building. The museum's diverse collection spans time, featuring an 1850s Farmstead alongside galleries dedicated to Arkansas Made art and history. Discover everything from the stories of indigenous Arkansans to the creations of modern artisans. We welcome visitors for regular and unique programs and events.
501-324-9351
Tuesday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The ESSE Purse Museum
The ESSE Purse Museum & Store, one of only two purse museums in the world, explores the art, history, and essence of the feminine through the handbag. Owner Anita Davis named it ESSE (Latin for "to be") because the purse is viewed not just as a utilitarian bag, but as an extension of a woman's personal identity and evolving role in society.
The permanent exhibit, "What’s Inside: A Century of Women and Handbags 1900-1999," celebrates the progression of the 20th-century American woman decade by decade, using the contents and style of her purse to tell the story of her struggles, accomplishments, and the times she lived in. This collection, which began as a traveling exhibit, found its permanent home in Little Rock in 2013.
ESSE also features quarterly temporary exhibits focused on empowering women and is becoming a cultural hub for female heritage in Central Arkansas. The museum store offers a variety of unique and handcrafted handbags, jewelry, and other items from local and international artisans.
501-916-9022
Open: Tuesday- Sunday, 11am-4pm
