Today the Arkansas Arts Center is an art museum and active center for the visual and performing arts. It ensures that learning, inspiration and creative expression in the arts flourishes throughout Arkansas by developing, preserving and exhibiting its permanent collection and offering a rich variety of art from other collections. During your visit to the art museum, explore its world-class international collection of art and other temporary exhibits. At Best Impressions Restaurant, a relaxing lunch awaits you.
Arkansas Arts Center Collection
The Arkansas Arts Center’s permanent collection includes a number of renowned drawings, contemporary craft and special collections offering visitors much to explore. A collection of unique works on paper, primarily American and European, from Renaissance to the present has been collected over a period of 35 years. Delight in watercolors by Paul Signac and drawings by Peter Takal and Will Barnet. The Little Rock art museum’s collection also features contemporary objects in craft media including: teapots by contemporary artists; baskets; turned wood objects; studio glass; ceramics; metalwork; and toys designed by artists. Featured Contemporary Crafts include works by Dale Chihuly, Albert Paley, Peter Voulkos and Dorothy Gill Barnes. In addition the Arkansas Arts Center’s holdings include a variety of paintings, photographs and prints by artists such as Louis Betts, Adrian Brewer, Sam Gilliam, Ansel Adams, Mike Disfarmer, William Eggleston, John James Audubon, Carroll Cloar and Isabel Bishop.
Dining at Best Impressions Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious lunch among the great works of art at the Arkansas Arts Center. Best Impressions Restaurant features a panoramic view of MacArthur Park and boasts unique American Fusion cuisine served in a relaxed atmosphere.
Shopping at the Museum Shop
Arkansas Arts Center offers artists and artisans from the state and region a platform to showcase their work. Items related to the works of Rae Ann Bayless, Kelly Edwards, Ayala Bar, Sarah Smith, The Riley Brothers, Silver Seasons, James Hayes and Ron Mynott are available to purchase.
- Private, noncommercial photographs in the Center’s galleries devoted to the permanent collection are welcome; however, photography is not permitted in special exhibitions or in galleries designated by “No Photography” signs. Due to the light-sensitive nature of the Arkansas Arts Center’s collection, the use of flash is prohibited at all times and in all galleries.
- In addition to its permanent collection, the Arkansas Arts Center organizes and hosts temporary exhibitions each year.