Central High Museum - Little Rock, Arkansas

Address: 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States.
Phone: 5013741957.
Website: nps.gov.
Specialties: Museum, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Toilets, Restaurant, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 165 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.9/5.

Location of Central High Museum

5013741957

Central High Museum, located at Address: 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States, is a must-visit museum and tourist attraction. The museum holds a significant place in American history as it was the center of the fight to end legal segregation in public schools.

The museum offers a range of specialties including informative exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs for students. Visitors can learn about the events that took place during the integration of Central High School in 1957, the impact it had on civil rights, and the ongoing struggle for equality.

One of the standout features of the museum is its accessibility. The museum provides a wheelchair-accessible car park, wheelchair-accessible entrance, and wheelchair-accessible toilets, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the exhibits comfortably. The museum also has regular toilets, a restaurant, and is suitable for children, making it an ideal destination for families.

Central High Museum has received an impressive average opinion of 4.9/5, based on 165 reviews on Google My Business. Visitors have praised the museum for its informative exhibits, knowledgeable guides, and welcoming atmosphere.

If you are planning a visit to Central High Museum, there are a few recommended steps to take. Firstly, check the museum's website for operating hours and any special events that may be taking place. You can visit their website at nps.gov.

Secondly, consider booking a guided tour in advance to make the most of your visit. The museum's guides are highly knowledgeable and can provide valuable insights into the exhibits and the history of the school.

Finally, be sure to take the time to explore the museum's gift shop, which offers a range of books, souvenirs, and educational materials related to civil rights and American history.

Reviews of Central High Museum

Central High Museum - Little Rock, Arkansas

Della Miller

5/5

This is a free experience. You must call before your visit to reserve a spot for the tour.

Visiting Central High School is an experience everyone should have. To walk the street where protesters against integration taunted, spat on, and did other cruel things was haunting.

The park ranger who served as our guide did an excellent job telling the history of the Little Rock Nine. He did not sugarcoat it. He presented it as if he was there.

Across from Central High, the gas station at that time still stands as well as one of the stores in that area is there as well. There is a heavily shaded memorial park across from the school that is nice to sit and reflect on the experience.

There used to be a time where this history was taught in schools. It is challenging to teach this moment in our history with the changes in state standards. This history should be experienced. I HIGHLY recommend visiting Central High School so we don't forget and recognize what these students' endured to integrate our schools.

Dennis Prichard

5/5

Growing up during the era of desegregation, I am now more aware of the total ignorance and hatred that permeated white people of the time. And even though feelings have improved since then, racism is still prevalent. This museum brings it home, as is needed, to show ALL of us are equal.

Wander America

5/5

This museum was great, Ranger Randy was very helpful and knowledgeable.

Aaron Barnes

5/5

The scale and beauty of the school is stunning ?.

It would be worth the visit to walk the lawn, climb the steps, view beautiful landscaping, and take some photos -- even without the historical significance of this place.

The visitor's center across the street is also excellent.

Kids aged 3 to 12 all enjoyed this visit in their own way.

Will definitely visit again when there's a chance.

Gabrelle Taylor

5/5

Great experience that all Little Rock visitors should see! I learned a lot more about this pivotal Civil Rights event than I did from my TN education. Ranger Nick provided EXCELLENT customer service working with me to book the site tour. When his system was down during my first attempt, he made sure to verify my info over phone and called me back to confirm my tour spot. The tour guide, Ranger Randy, did an INCREDIBLE job storytelling about the Little Rock 9 and answering tough questions related to racism and injustice. I’m thankful to have been able to learn from him.

Dalton Carney

5/5

A beautiful school with potent history. Built in 1927, I would have visited the school alone but, with the story of the Little Rock Nine, it’s almost palpable to walk the steps of the school.
Be sure to visit the National Park Service museum caddy corner to the school.

Champagne Minx

4/5

It is really great that there is a museum with artifacts and loads of information right across from the historic Central High School. Although, we went during COVID19, so parts of the experience were not available. I found the self-guided video clips to be the most helpful. They were primary video sources from when the crisis happened in the 50s, along with clips of the Little Rock Nine speaking about their experiences years later.

Allison Beecher

5/5

The central high museum was incredible! It's small, but a must-see in little Rock. What we learned in school just skimmed over the story, so it was very eye-opening to be able to learn about the events leading up to and what happened after the Little Rock 9 were admitted to the school.

The facts, photos, and soundbites were so poignant and well done.

We also enjoyed the NPS app for the self-guided walking tour which let's you walk the route to the school with accompanying audio and gives you an immersive and heart-wrenching experience.