Arkansas boasts a rich tapestry of architectural marvels that span various styles and periods. These iconic buildings reflect the state’s history, culture, and commitment to preserving its architectural heritage.
For those looking to explore the finest examples of architectural brilliance in Arkansas, this article will guide you through the 20 best buildings worth visiting. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or simply curious about these unique landmarks, Arkansas has something to offer everyone.
1. Thorncrown Chapel
Thorncrown Chapel, located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a stunning example of modern architecture.
Designed by E. Fay Jones, this chapel is celebrated for its unique design which features 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass.
The chapel rises 48 feet into the Ozark sky, using more than 100 tons of native stone and colored flagstone. Recognized by the American Institute of Architects, it is listed as one of the top ten buildings of the 20th century.
2. E. Fay Jones School of Architecture
The E. Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas is a prestigious institution.
It was named after E. Fay Jones, a renowned architect from Arkansas.
The school was established in 1974 and became a recognized architectural institution. It has since received numerous accolades for its programs. The Interior Design program, accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation, is particularly noteworthy.
In 2009, the school was renamed in honor of Fay Jones at the request of Don and Ellen Edmondson, who were previous clients of Jones. For more details, explore the school’s official site.
3. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, Arkansas, is known for its remarkable architecture and extensive art collection.
It features a stunning design by Safdie Architects with a graceful arc of laminated-wood roof beams and glass walls.
The museum is nestled within 120 acres of Ozark forest, offering five miles of trails for visitors to explore. Notable installations include the Fly’s Eye Dome by R. Buckminster Fuller and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman Wilson House.
4. Arkansas State Capitol
The Arkansas State Capitol, completed in 1915, stands as a prominent example of neo-classical revival architecture.
Its design incorporates Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles, which add to its majestic look.
Visitors are often struck by its gleaming marble exterior and the massive dome covered in gold leaf. The building serves as the heart of Arkansas’s government and a symbol of the state’s progress.
For those interested, the Capitol is open to the public for tours. It provides a chance to marvel at the intricate design and explore its historical significance. Further details are available here.
5. Anthony Chapel
Anthony Chapel is located in Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
It was designed by Maurice Jennings and David McKee, former associates of E. Fay Jones.
The chapel’s structure rises to an impressive 57 feet, supported by massive pine columns. It can seat up to 200 people and is a popular venue for weddings and events. The design captures the beauty and natural elements of the surrounding forest and Lake Hamilton shoreline.
6. The Cornish House
The Cornish House is located at 1800 Arch Street in Little Rock, Arkansas. This historic building is a 2½-story brick structure with a side gable roof and a prominent center gable.
Constructed in 1919, the home has a Tudor Revival style. The design features a granite balustrade and posts on the porch. It occupies land in the historic Quapaw Quarter, a well-known neighborhood in Little Rock. Learn more about its history here.
7. The Villa Marre
The Villa Marre, located at 1321 Scott Street in Little Rock, is a historic house built in 1881 by Angelo and Jennie Marre.
It features a blend of Italianate and Second Empire styles, making it a unique architectural landmark.
The house is two stories high with a distinctive flared mansard roof and a -story tower. The Villa Marre gained fame for appearing in the opening credits of a popular television show.
Its elegant design and historical significance make the Villa Marre a must-see for anyone interested in Arkansas architecture. Learn more about it on the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.
8. Pine Bluff Convention Center
The Pine Bluff Convention Center stands as a prominent fixture in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This venue hosts concerts, opera, Broadway shows, and recitals.
The theater’s seating capacity is 1,899, accommodating large crowds for various events. Its stage is versatile, suitable for theater, banquet, and classroom styles.
Additionally, the center includes five dressing rooms and VIP suites, catering to performers and guests alike. More information is available through the Pine Bluff Convention Center link.
9. The Clinton Presidential Center
The Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a significant landmark.
It was designed by the Polshek Partnership and is among the first LEED-certified buildings in Arkansas.
The center includes the Clinton Presidential Library, the Clinton Foundation offices, and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
The center is located on the riverfront and connects downtown Little Rock with North Little Rock, preserving a historic railroad station bridge. The design also maximizes public park acreage, making it a unique architectural feat.
10. Bologna Performing Arts Center
The Bologna Performing Arts Center, located at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, is a notable architectural site. It was funded by the Mississippi legislature and opened on September 1, 1995.
This state-of-the-art facility features a theatre that seats just under 1,200 people and a 145-seat recital hall. The building covers 41,500 square feet and includes an 85-foot high flyway and an orchestra pit with lift.
For those with limited mobility, wheelchair spaces and companion seats are available. Despite the absence of elevators, the venue ensures accessibility.
11. Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith National Historic Site is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, along the Arkansas River.
Established in 1817, it was originally part of Indian Territory. The site includes Belle Point, offering scenic views of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers.
Visitors can explore the history of soldiers, the Trail of Tears, and lawmen who served there. The site covers 37 acres and includes remnants of both the First and Second forts, providing insight into almost 80 years of history.
Learn more about Fort Smith National Historic Site by visiting the National Park Service page.
12. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is a key landmark in the civil rights movement.
In 1957, it was the focal point of desegregation efforts when nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, attended the previously all-white school.
It is located at 2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive in Little Rock, Arkansas. The site features a visitor center that offers guided walking tours, showcasing the importance of education and civil rights. Visitors can learn about the pivotal events that shaped the nation’s history.
13. Old State House Museum
The Old State House Museum, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, is an iconic historical building.
Completed in 1842, it is the oldest surviving state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. This Greek Revival structure hosted many significant events, including Arkansas’s secession convention.
The museum now showcases Arkansas’s rich history. Visitors can explore exhibits that delve into the state’s political and cultural past. The building itself, with its grand columns and porticos, stands as a testament to 19th-century American architecture and design.
Learn more about its history at the Old State House Museum website.
14. Jacksonport State Park
Jacksonport State Park is located at the confluence of Arkansas’ White and Black Rivers. This park is known for its rich history as a bustling 1800s port town that served steamboats with up to 200 passengers.
The modern Visitor Center designed by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects offers a glimpse into the past while connecting the river and town.
The park’s courthouse has a significant history, being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. In 1997, a half-mile wide tornado caused extensive damage to the area.
15. Tulsa Union Depot
Tulsa Union Depot, located at 5 S. Boston Ave., was built in 1931. It was designed by R.C. Stephens of St. Louis in the Moderne Art Deco style. The building served as a central hub for three rail companies.
A construction boom in the early 20th century turned Tulsa into a hotbed of Art Deco architecture. The Union Depot is a prime example.
Today, the Depot has been repurposed into an office building. Its original archways and columns have been preserved, maintaining its historic nature. To learn more, visit the Wikipedia page on Tulsa Union Depot.
16. Hemingway-Pfeiffer House
The Hemingway-Pfeiffer House is located in Piggott, Arkansas.
This historic house is where Ernest Hemingway wrote parts of his 1929 novel, “A Farewell to Arms.” It was the home of his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer’s parents, Paul and Mary Pfeiffer.
Visitors can see both the house and the barn, which have been restored to their 1920s and 1930s condition by A-State. This gives a glimpse into the lifestyle of an upper-class rural home during that era. More details can be found on their website.
17. Northwest Arkansas Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is a key educational institution in Bentonville, Arkansas. The college’s campus features modern architectural designs.
NWACC offers various programs, including a technical certificate and an AAS in computer-aided design. The campus provides a mix of functionality and aesthetics.
The college buildings are designed to foster a positive learning environment. The architectural style emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, aligning with contemporary educational trends. NWACC serves as both an educational hub and a community landmark in Northwest Arkansas.
18. Pine Bluff Arsenal
Pine Bluff Arsenal is a significant military installation in Arkansas.
The U.S. Army built it during World War II as a major Chemical Warfare Arsenal. Located eight miles northeast of Pine Bluff, it spans over 14,944 acres.
The arsenal is known for its rich history and role in producing chemical weapons. Today, it remains a noteworthy site due to its strategic importance and historical significance in military manufacturing and defense.
19. St. Edward Church
St. Edward Church, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture. The cornerstone was laid in 1901, and the church was completed by 1905.
Its interior was finished and dedicated in 1911.
The church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The design is attributed to architect Charles L. Thompson.
Renovated in 2003, the church features statues of apostles and stained-glass windows depicting religious figures like Benedict, Scholastica, and the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
20. First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock is located at 800 Scott Street. Organized in 1828, it holds the title of the oldest Presbyterian Church in Arkansas.
The church features Gothic Revival architecture, a popular style in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It was designed by John Parks Almand and completed in 1921.
A notable feature is the church’s recessed arch with an ornate stained glass window, situated on the 8th Street side. The structure’s design includes two towers with battlemented parapets. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historical Significance of Arkansas’s Architectural Marvels
Arkansas is home to numerous architectural wonders that reflect its rich history and evolving cultural influences. These buildings showcase styles from various time periods and highlight the state’s unique contributions to American architecture.
Influence of Early Settlers
Early settlers in Arkansas brought diverse architectural styles that shaped the state’s landscape.
In the early to mid-1800s, French Colonial architecture became prominent, with houses like Estevan Hall in Phillips County.
These structures typically featured hipped roofs, narrow doors, and window shutters.
Federal architecture, known for its balanced and symmetrical design, also emerged during this period.
These early architectural choices helped establish a foundation for Arkansas’s architectural identity, blending European influences with local materials and techniques.
Architectural Trends Over the Decades
As Arkansas grew, so did its architectural diversity. The Greek Revival style, with its stately columns and grand facades, became a symbol of prosperity and was popular in buildings like the Marlsgate Plantation.
The early 1900s saw the rise of Beaux-Arts and other eclectic styles, especially in cities like Little Rock.
Houses like the Robinson House, built in 1904, highlight this period with their intricate wood frames and granite foundations.
This blending of styles over decades created a unique architectural tapestry that continues to define Arkansas today.
Key Architectural Styles Found in Arkansas
Arkansas displays a wide range of architectural styles, each reflecting different historical periods and influences. Two prominent styles seen across the state are Colonial Revival and Mid-Century Modern.
Colonial Revival
Colonial Revival architecture became popular in Arkansas during the early 20th century. This style draws inspiration from early American colonial buildings, often featuring symmetrical facades and classic proportions.
Typical characteristics include columns, multi-pane windows with shutters, and decorative entryways.
Many homes in Little Rock and other cities showcase this style. They often have brick exteriors, gable roofs, and elaborate door surrounds.
The Robinson House in Little Rock, built in 1904, is a notable example. Its granite and brick foundation adds to its historic charm.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern architecture emerged in Arkansas around the mid-20th century. This style focuses on simplicity and integration with nature.
Key features include large windows, open floor plans, and minimalistic design elements.
Buildings often use materials like glass, steel, and concrete to create clean lines and functional spaces.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library, known for its contemporary design, exemplifies this style with its extensive use of glass and geometric shapes.
This building reflects the Mid-Century Modern emphasis on harmonizing indoor and outdoor environments.