PROJECT
Building on our legacy, the reimagined interior features expertly lit galleries that highlight the AAC’s collection of more than 14,000 works of art and host a schedule of dynamic special exhibitions.
A Museum School includes studios for classes for children and adults and a gallery space. State-of-the-art theatre and programming spaces host theatre programming, films, and performing arts events.

Gallery Image: View of the Arkansas Arts Center’s expansion, which connects improved spaces for exhibition with new community gathering spaces such as the Cultural Living Room and a double-height public Atrium. State-of-the-art Galleries showcase the Arkansas Arts Center’s world-class permanent collection of local, national, and international art, and house special exhibitions. The Cultural Living Room is a community space for casual gatherings and elevated events. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.
© Studio Gang
The innovative, glass-enclosed, “Living Room,” is a community gathering space for quiet reflection, social gatherings, and everything in between.
A full-service restaurant boasts indoor and shaded outdoor seating overlooking MacArthur Park, a shop, outdoor event space for public programs, and so much more.

View from the South: Aerial view showing how the reimagined Arkansas Arts Center creates new pathways and connections to MacArthur Park. The design includes a new restaurant with outdoor shaded seating, walking paths, and a great lawn. Over time, a tree canopy will develop, creating a true “Arts Center in a Park.” Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.
© Studio Gang and SCAPE
Restaurant Terrace On MacArthur Park: At the southern end of the reimagined Arkansas Arts Center, new pathways and plantings connect the building to MacArthur Park, including a new restaurant with outdoor shaded seating that overlooks the park, and new landscape features that include walking paths and a great lawn for community events. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.
Gallery Image: View of the Arkansas Arts Center’s expansion, which connects improved spaces for exhibition with new community gathering spaces such as the Cultural Living Room and a double-height public Atrium. State-of-the-art Galleries showcase the Arkansas Arts Center’s world-class permanent collection of local, national, and international art, and house special exhibitions. The Cultural Living Room is a community space for casual gatherings and elevated events. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.
Gallery Image: View of the Arkansas Arts Center’s expansion, which connects improved spaces for exhibition with new community gathering spaces such as the Cultural Living Room and a double-height public Atrium. State-of-the-art Galleries showcase the Arkansas Arts Center’s world-class permanent collection of local, national, and international art, and house special exhibitions. The Cultural Living Room is a community space for casual gatherings and elevated events. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.
View from Crescent Drive at Night: Nighttime view from downtown Little Rock of the Arkansas Arts Center’s new north entrance. A new plaza opens the historic 1937 façade onto Crescent Drive. Above, the Cultural Living Room acts as a community gathering and event space. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.
Project Partners





