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Grand Opening Celebration

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April 22, 2023 @ 12:00 pm 8:00 pm

Aerial photo of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts viewed from the south side of MacArthur Park with the Little Rock skyline visible in the background.

This will be your first opportunity to take in the breathtaking new architecture and grounds while enjoying art, music, food, and fun at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts!

Free timed-entry tickets include admission to the celebration and a visit inside the Museum for a look at the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and site-specific installations on view at AMFA. Plus, explore programming and event spaces like the Performing Arts Theater, Windgate Art School, and Cultural Living Room.

If you have any questions, please peruse the FAQ below or contact us by calling 501.372.4000 or emailing connect@arkmfa.org.

I reserved a ticket online. Where can I find my e-ticket?

Your ticket(s) should have been emailed to you at the time of your reservation. If you cannot find them in your inbox, you can access your tickets online in the Upcoming Events section of your AMFA account.

Please note the entry time designated on your ticket. This is when you get to go inside the Museum!

Where do I park for the Grand Opening?

Parking is not available at AMFA during the Grand Opening. 

Parking for this day is available at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock and Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock.

Park at the location that is most convenient for you. Security personnel and AMFA staff will be stationed at both locations for the duration of the event.

Shuttle service between these locations and AMFA runs from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You will be dropped off at the check-in tent in front of AMFA on 9th Street.

We recommend allowing for 45 minutes to park, shuttle, and check in.

The shuttle service is color coded. War Memorial Stadium shuttles are RED. Dickey-Stephens Park shuttles are GREEN. Please note the color of your shuttle when parking, boarding, and re-boarding.

Once you conclude your visit, return shuttles to War Memorial Stadium and Dickey-Stephens Park will be stationed next to AMFA’s Park Entrance.

Where do I go when I get to AMFA?

When you arrive at the Museum, check in with an AMFA representative at the tent on 9th Street.

We will scan your digital ticket, give you a color coded wrist band, and show you to an area with color coded signage. The color of your wrist band will match the color of your area’s signage.

You will enter the Museum according to your entry time and color. Then, it’s time to explore!

What do I do if I miss the entry time on my ticket?

We know unexpected things can happen, and we will do our best to accommodate you if you arrive late.

In the event you have to wait for a new entry time, do not worry: There is still plenty to see and do throughout the Museum grounds and MacArthur Park during our Grand Opening Celebration.

What should I expect at the Grand Opening?

First and foremost: expect fun!

Once inside the Museum, you are free to explore the Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries, the Windgate Art School, the Performing Arts Theater, and so much more.

Outside, stroll our walking paths and explore our beautiful grounds. Native flora, outdoor sculpture, and new views of MacArthur Park await.

Plus, you can experience Art Garden, our community-built art installation comprised of over 10,000 origami lotus flowers.

On the Event Lawn just outside the Park Entrance, you will find a variety of entertainment and food vendors.

What if I have a ticket and can no longer attend?

Please let us know if your plans have changed and you are unable to make AMFA’s Grand Opening Celebration.

We experienced an overwhelming response from the community in support of this special occassion and all available tickets have been reserved. We can release your ticket(s) to others wishing to attend if you can no longer attend.

What am I allowed to bring?

You may bring a bag or purse, but we ask that they are no larger than 11 x 15 x 4 inches.

You are welcome to take photos, just remember no flash photography, selfie sticks, or tripods will be permitted. (Tag @arkmfa in your social posts and use #myAMFA for a chance to be featured on our page!)

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase outside on the Event Lawn, but they will not be permitted inside the Museum.

All tickets for this event have been reserved. If you would like to experience the Museum during our Grand Opening celebrations, become a member now to access tickets for Member Weekend on April 29-30.

Reservations are also now open for regular Museum admission starting May 2. Visit our ticketing website to reserve time-entry tickets for guaranteed admission.