Museum of Discovery | Little Rock

The Museum of Discovery in Little Rock is one of Arkansas’s leading science and technology centers, designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. Located in the River Market District downtown, it combines interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on learning to make science feel lively and accessible.

History and Background

The museum’s roots stretch back to 1927, when it opened as the Arkansas Museum of Natural History and Antiquities. It evolved over the decades, shifting focus from natural history to interactive science. In 2012, after a major renovation, it reopened as the Museum of Discovery, with a modern design and state-of-the-art exhibits. Since then, it has become one of the top family attractions in the state.

Exhibits and Attractions

The museum is filled with colorful, interactive galleries that invite visitors to touch, build, test, and experiment:

Discovery Hall: Focuses on physical sciences with activities involving light, sound, electricity, and motion. Here, visitors might test flight simulators, play with optical illusions, or try puzzles that challenge logic and engineering skills.

Tinkering Studio: A creative workshop where kids and adults can build, craft, and experiment with materials - a space that emphasizes problem-solving and creativity.

Amazing You: An exhibit devoted to the human body, featuring interactive displays on anatomy, health, and how our senses work.

Earth Journeys: Highlights Arkansas’s natural environment with immersive videos, geological displays, and even live animals that represent local ecosystems.

Dinosaur Gallery (rotating and traveling exhibits): Occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions featuring paleontology, robotics, or space exploration themes.

One of the museum’s most famous features is its tornado simulator, which re-creates the sights and sounds of a twister, a reminder of Arkansas’s storm-prone climate.

Live Science and Activities

Staff members regularly host live demonstrations, from chemistry experiments that create colorful reactions to physics shows with surprising explosions or levitating objects. These are designed to entertain while slipping in clear explanations of scientific principles.

The museum also offers camps, school programs, and workshops, making it a hub for science education beyond simple exhibits.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

The Museum of Discovery has a lively, family-friendly energy. Bright murals and playful signage guide visitors through the exhibits, and there’s constant activity: children building towers in the tinkering lab, families trying brain teasers, and educators leading small groups in demonstrations. Unlike traditional museums where objects sit behind glass, here nearly everything is designed to be touched, tested, or manipulated.

Community Role

Beyond being an attraction, the museum serves as a cultural and educational anchor for Little Rock. It partners with schools across the state, helps bring STEM programs to underrepresented communities, and often hosts special events that tie science to local life - from health fairs to environmental awareness days.

Practical Information

Location: River Market District, within walking distance of the Clinton Presidential Library and Riverfront Park.

Accessibility: Open year-round with affordable admission, and memberships available for locals.

Best for: Families with children, school groups, and anyone curious about science. Adults often enjoy it as much as kids thanks to the quality of the exhibits.

The Museum of Discovery is less about passive learning and more about engaging directly with science. It encourages play, experimentation, and creativity, making it one of the most dynamic and rewarding attractions in Little Rock.