3.    Information Desk and Museum Store

Information Desk

Then…
When the State House was completed in 1842, this east-west corridor led outside to covered walkways that connected the Main Building to the East and West Wings. After 1867 the doorway behind the Information Desk also led to the entrance of the federal court. After the 1885 renovation, this entryway became a balcony-covered loggia, and the Treasurer's Office took the place of the federal court. Despite the fact that the West Wing and Main Building were joined together in 1867, it was still necessary to go outside to get from one to the other until 1980.

Now…
The Information Desk is the first stop for guests visiting the Old State House Museum. Visitors stop here to get a self-guided tour map, learn about hourly guided tours, and to make a donation in the donation box.

Museum Store

Then…
Historians believe that this room served as the Land Office when the State House first opened in 1836. After 1885, this room and its twin across the hall were occupied by the Auditor's Office. During the Medical School's tenure, both rooms were sub-divided to provide office space.

Now…
Since 1980 the room has housed the Old State House Museum Store. Be sure to plan a stop during your visit to the museum. The Store carries a wide selection of books on Arkansas history, souvenirs related to the building and its exhibits, antebellum and Victorian-style gift ideas, as well as numerous items of interest to children. The Store is open from 9:15 am to 4:45 pm Monday-Saturday and 1:15-4:45 pm on Sunday.

Shop our Museum Store online