What’s on display when the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts celebrates its grand opening this month
The courtyard entrance to Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts photographed by Tim Hursley in September 2022.
The city of Little Rock and the wider arts community in Arkansas can breathe a sigh of relief when the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts opens its doors on April 22. Formerly known as the Arkansas Arts Center, the organization has long been one of the state’s most beloved cultural centers. Now, the rebranded, rebuilt, and reimagined AMFA takes what people loved about its former iteration and expands the possibilities. “I think the museum itself—and when I say museum, I mean not only the collection of art, but the programs offered, the theater, the art school, the building, the grounds, the entire institution—they’re really being designed to be almost future-proof,” says curator Theresa Bembnister. “We’re creating a space for today’s audiences, but also the audiences we hope to see tomorrow. It’s a space where people are going to be able to do so many things in terms of learning, relaxing, socializing, and understanding better who they are. I don’t think very many other museums in the country are offering that to their communities.”…
