PROGRESS
CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN!
The new Arts Center will be a regional treasure located in scenic MacArthur Park in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas. Opening in 2022, the Art Center will welcome all with exhibitions, art classes, performances, lectures, programs and so much more.
March 2020 Construction Update: After over 5 months of work, demolition of 75% of the Arts Center’s existing building is complete. The building material has been sorted and, as part of the AAC’s LEED certification, the steel, aluminum, concrete, and other material has been sent to the appropriate recycling stations. Construction of the new building has begun. The foundations for the main building and wing for the galleries have been poured and the steel is in place for the west section of the building. Main walls are under construction and contractors are working on the Arts Center’s mechanical systems. This time-lapse video shows the reveal of the original 1937 façade which will be the Arts Center’s new north entrance; the clearing of the south entrance; ironworkers adding beams for the new galleries; and concrete workers erecting one of the main walls that will run the entire length of the new Arts Center.
Image 1) A pump truck boom pours concrete for an interior wall; Image 2) A steel beam is placed by a crane and ironworkers frame the new gallery space; Image 3) Workers prepare footings on the north side of the building; Image 4) High above the ground, workers prepare the ceiling of the south entrance.
Vision
Building a cultural home for future generations
A cultural shift is happening with the construction of a new Arkansas Arts Center. A reimagined place to see, create, and enjoy the arts.
Building on the Arts Center’s legacy, the reimagined space will be a creative, educational, and civic beacon for future generations. Join the countdown to 2022.
© Studio Gang and SCAPE
“The plans for the newly reimagined Arkansas Arts Center are transformative. Like you, we believe in the Arkansas Arts Center and know together we can make it a thriving and influential cultural institution for present and future generations.”
– Harriet and Warren Stephens,
Capital Campaign Co-Chairs
PROJECT
Building the future while honoring the past
Designed by world-renowned architecture firm, Studio Gang, the stunning new Arkansas Art Center is located in Little Rock’s MacArthur Park and surrounded by historic homes in the Quapaw Quarter neighborhood. Notably, the north entrance features a new entrance that reveals the original 1937 Museum of Fine Arts façade. The glass entrance to the south is surrounded by six acres of beautiful landscaping, walking paths and an event lawn, designed by the noted firm, SCAPE.
The Arts Center’s new 137,000 square-foot building will be the place to experience art in world-class galleries, take art classes in a modern art school, view performances in two state-of-the-art theatres, celebrate, relax, contemplate, and enjoy.
“The design for the reimagined Arkansas Arts Center features new and renovated spaces for gathering and community events to create dynamic connections among the state-of-the-art galleries and exhibitions, renovated Museum School, and upgraded Theatre. One of our main goals for the project is to allow the architecture to invite interaction, discovery, creativity, and learning.”
Architect and Founding Principal of Studio Gang.
– Kate Orff, Founder of SCAPE.
CAMPAIGN
Building our support across Arkansas
We believe in the power of the arts to change lives and communities and we hope you will join us on this exciting journey. Reimagining the Arkansas Arts Center: Campaign for Our Cultural Future supports a complete transformation of the AAC facility, transition and re-opening costs, and critical endowment funds to help support future operations.
By participating, you will help to establish a significant architectural treasure in the heart of Arkansas that serves the community, stimulates tourism, and drives the economy.
This is our moment to make a long term, permanent impact on the city, state and region. Learn more about how you can help here
© 2020 Arkansas Arts Center | All Rights Reserved