Arkansas State Capitol — Attraction in Little Rock

The Arkansas State Capitol, an emblem of history and architecture, stands as a testament to early 20th-century monumental design. Its construction, using prison labor, spanned from 1899 to 1915, with the total cost escalating to nearly $2.3 million, more than double the initial budget. George Mann and Cass Gilbert's neoclassical vision manifests in a blend of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles, culminating in a gold-leaf-covered cupola soaring 213 feet above ground. The building is not just a symbol of political history but also a subject of it, enduring scandals like the 1905 Boodle Scandal involving construction bribes. Nonetheless, the Capitol has matured into a dignified host for the state's legislative processes and a hub of public service, preserving the historical integrity of its interior spaces and externa grounds.l

Visiting the Capitol is a memorable experience, enhanced by the congeniality of its representatives and staff. The State Rep for Sherwood and North Little Rock "Carlton Wing", who we met in the house chamber, embodies humility and sociability, leaving a lasting impression of approachability in governance. Governor sanders reception area, graced with permission for photography by an exceptionally gracious receptionist, offers a tangible connection to the state's executive history. These personal encounters with the Capitol's public servants add a warm, human dimension to the grandeur of Arkansas's...

The building itself is beautiful, if you get a chance, go now 4/6 up to 4/15/22 to get a chance to view the magnificent chandelier from the rotunda that has been lowered to ground level for cleaning/maintenance which only occurs every four years or so. I wanted to take a moment and give a heartfelt thanks to tour guide NANCY M. We stopped by today to get a tour which is advertised to be available every hour on the hour. Today was a particularly busy day with large 60+ person groups attending the Capitol and when I inquired about the tour for my wife and twins she was gracious enough to finish the activities with that group and she kept her word and came back. She must have been tired with today's schedule but still gave us the time for a great and informative tour with details and have our nine year old twins walk in the Treasurer's vault to hold $100K cash each with Sera (sp?) who was sweet as well. Thank You Nancy for your hospitality, we came all the way from Georgia and though we would miss out on the tour due to how busy it was but you rescued the day. We are beyond grateful, thanks...

I enjoy visiting our state capital building in Little Rock and taking out of town guests as well. The architecture of the building exterior and interior is just magnificent. The craftsmanship of the marble and there is a lot of it! As well as the design of the Rotunda, staircases and entry hall and central hall is second to none. We enjoyed learning about the state Capitol, and viewing the assorted historical and important artifacts on display. A great time to visit us during Christmas at night with the added exterior lighting and the huge Christmas tree decorated in the center directly under the rotunda. On a side note you do have to enter through metal detectors.. quite understandably but I wanted to mention the security personnel is friendly, respectful and welcoming. Which isn’t always the case when you go through security checkpoints at other places. The gift shop area has some lovely Arkansas related things to choose a souvenir or gift at various...