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Daniel Schwen CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Arkansas State Capitol

Building

A Beaux-Arts capitol building in Little Rock with a domed rotunda, legislative chambers and public tours. Visitors explore monuments on the grounds and view the city from the hilltop site.

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In this guide

Arkansas State Capitol essentials

Address: 500 Woodlane St, Little Rock, AR 72201, United States
Website: arkansascapitol.gov
Hours: Visitor center hours vary; building open weekdays 8:00am-5:00pm (state holidays closed)
Admission: Free entry to public areas; guided tours and legislative gallery access may have timed schedules
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About Arkansas State Capitol

The Arkansas State Capitol is the seat of Arkansas’s government, located in Little Rock. Construction of the present building began in 1899 and was completed in 1915; it was designed by architect George R. Mann.

The building’s interior centers on a marble rotunda beneath a domed roof and includes the legislative chambers for the Arkansas House and Senate along with period architectural details. The capitol grounds contain multiple memorials and open lawns that are used for public events and ceremonies.

Constructed between 1899 and 1915 to house the state’s executive and legislative functions, the building has served continuously as Arkansas’s capitol since completion. Its design and materials reflect late 19th- and early 20th-century neoclassical public architecture.

The capitol stands on Capitol Avenue in downtown Little Rock, within the city’s civic district and a short distance from the Arkansas River.

  • Completion year: 1915 is the year construction was completed and the building began serving as the state capitol.
  • Visitor access: Public tours are offered to visitors; schedules and any security requirements are published by state authorities and can vary seasonally.

What to See#

  • Rotunda: Located inside the main capitol building, this circular space contains the building’s central dome and serves as the public entrance area and focal point for interior circulation.
  • House Chamber: The legislative chamber for the lower house where the Arkansas House of Representatives meets; historically and architecturally notable though access can be limited during sessions.
  • Senate Chamber: The legislative chamber for the upper house where the Arkansas Senate convenes; located within the main building and used for official legislative business.
  • Capitol grounds: Grounds around the capitol include memorials and monuments to state history and military service, with lawns and walkways used for public events and ceremonies.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Arkansas State Capitol

Best March-October for comfortable outdoor visits and guided tours.

Spring-Autumn (Mar-Oct)
Mar-Oct · 10-28°C
Pleasant for walking the grounds and nearby River Market District.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Jun-Aug · 25-35°C
Hot and humid; schedule indoor tours in the morning.

Weather & Climate near Arkansas State Capitol

Climate

Arkansas State Capitol's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1309 mm/year), wettest in April.

Air Quality: AQI 32 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberOctoberMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
46°
Warmest Month
-14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable -1° - 10° 2° 88 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.9 m/s 0.4 low 10.0h
February Acceptable 2° - 14° 6° 89 mm partly cloudy 83% 3.0 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.8h
March Good 6° - 19° 13° 126 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.3 m/s 1.1 high 11.8h
April Very Good 11° - 24° 17° 137 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.2 m/s 1.5 very high 12.9h
May Very Good 16° - 28° 22° 131 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.7 m/s 1.8 very high 13.8h
June Very Good 20° - 32° 26° 102 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 14.3h
July Very Good 22° - 34° 31° 92 mm some cloud 68% 2.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 14.1h
August Very Good 21° - 34° 29° 81 mm some cloud 67% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 13.3h
September Excellent 17° - 30° 24° 96 mm some cloud 68% 2.2 m/s 1.5 very high 12.3h
October Very Good 11° - 25° 18° 106 mm some cloud 72% 2.2 m/s 1.0 moderate 11.2h
November Good 5° - 17° 11° 137 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.2h
December Acceptable 1° - 12° 4° 124 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.8 m/s 0.4 low 9.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Arkansas State Capitol

Located in downtown Little Rock. From I-30 take exits for downtown and follow signs to the capitol; parking available on site. The River Market District is a short walk to the east.

Tips for Visiting Arkansas State Capitol

  • Take the free guided tour to see the ornate rotunda and learn about the capitol's architect, Cass Gilbert.
  • Walk the grounds for sculptures and memorials; the capitol occupies a landscaped site near the Arkansas River.
  • Check in advance for public gallery hours if wishing to observe legislative sessions.