The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is a free museum in MacArthur Park, Little Rock, housed in the only remaining building of the former Little Rock Arsenal. Its exhibits trace Arkansas’s military heritage and include photographs, artifacts and uniforms, making it a focused stop for understanding the state’s history.
- Location: 503 E. 9th Street, Little Rock, AR 72202
- Typical hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Admission: Free; donations are appreciated
- Parking: Free parking is available beside the museum and along its circle drive
The museum at the historic arsenal
The museum occupies the Tower Building, built in 1840 as part of the Little Rock Arsenal. It is the only building left from the original arsenal. The City of Little Rock says General Douglas MacArthur was born in the Tower Building in 1880.
The museum opened in the Arsenal building on May 19, 2001. Its setting in MacArthur Park places the military-history collection inside a building with a direct connection to both the city’s past and one of its best-known military figures.
What the collections cover
The museum interprets Arkansas’s military heritage from the territorial period to the present. Its exhibits include artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents and uniforms.
One notable collection is the Allison Collection, which preserves more than 4,600 photographs from World War II. The museum’s self-guided format lets you move through the galleries at your own pace; staff provide a gallery guide at the entrance.
MacArthur Museum hours and admission
Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Hours and holiday closures can affect a visit, so check the official site before you go. If you’re planning a group visit and want a museum official or docent to guide it, contact the museum to reserve.
How do you get to the museum?
The museum is at 503 E. 9th Street in MacArthur Park. From the River Market and downtown area, drive south on Main Street, turn left on 9th Street and continue to the park on the right. From I-30, take the 9th Street exit and travel west; MacArthur Park is on the left.
Free parking is available in the lot east of the building and along the circle drive in front. Bus parking is also available. The museum says it complies with current ADA standards; it has accessible parking, a lift at the east end of the front porch, and a wheelchair available to borrow during a visit.
The museum is about 4.5 miles from El Rancho Motel. See the motel’s guest rooms.
Planning a visit
Allow time to explore the galleries at your own pace, using the guide provided at the entrance. If you’re driving, choose the east-side lot or the circle drive; groups that need a docent or museum official should arrange that directly with the museum.
MacArthur Park is the setting for the visit, with the historic Tower Building as its focal point. The museum’s free admission makes it easy to include as one stop in a day focused on Little Rock history, alongside stops in this one-day Little Rock history and riverfront itinerary.
FAQs
Was Douglas MacArthur born at the museum?
Yes. The City of Little Rock says General Douglas MacArthur was born in the Tower Building in 1880.
Can groups arrange a guided visit?
Groups may visit for free. To request a museum official or docent as a guide, contact the museum to reserve.
Do you need a ticket?
No. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.