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Capital Campaign

The new Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is being realized through a public-private partnership, starting with a $31 million commitment from the City of Little Rock generated by a hotel tax revenue bond. Contributions from generous private donors have more than quadrupled the public commitment – and fundraising is ongoing.

The $155 million capital campaign, Reimagining the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts supports the construction of a new Museum designed by renowned architecture firm Studio Gang and award-winning landscape architecture firm SCAPE while strengthening the critical funding needed for transition, opening, and future operations.

Vision

An internationally renowned team of architects was selected to design a building and landscaping that are works of art in their own right. The iconic new cultural and architectural jewel in Downtown Little Rock is designed by Studio Gang with landscape design by SCAPE.

Building on the Museum’s legacy, these reimagined spaces will become a creative, educational, and civic beacon for future generations, positioning AMFA as the region’s preeminent institution for visual and performing arts.

What’s Outside

  • Building: A stunning new 133,00 square foot building
  • Landscaping: 11-acre landscape plan featuring outdoor sculptures and 50 different species of perennials, shrubs, trees, and ornamental grasses highlighting Arkansas’s biodiversity
  • Two Entrances: the Courtyard Entrance showcases the original “Museum of Fine Arts” 1937 facade while the Park Entrance facing MacArthur Park includes an open-air terrace and petal gardens
  • Walkways: 2,200 linear feet of landscaped walking paths
  • Crescent Lawn: 10,000 square-foot public lawn surrounding Crescent Drive
  • Event Lawn: 5,098 square feet of open green space dedicated for events and programming
  • Parking: 156 parking spaces relocated to the south and west sides of the building
  • Restaurant Terrace From the South: From the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, visitors will have beautiful views of the Event Lawn’s outdoor sculptures and elegant landscaping highlighting Arkansas’s biodiversity. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.
    Restaurant Terrace From the South: From the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, visitors will have beautiful views of the Event Lawn’s outdoor sculptures and elegant landscaping highlighting Arkansas’s biodiversity. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.

    Restaurant Terrace From the South: From the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, visitors will have beautiful views of the Event Lawn’s outdoor sculptures and elegant landscaping highlighting Arkansas’s biodiversity. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.

  • New Park Entrance From the South: To the south, an outdoor dining pavilion replaces the existing asphalt parking lot, opening the building to the park for the first time. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.
    New Park Entrance From the South: To the south, an outdoor dining pavilion replaces the existing asphalt parking lot, opening the building to the park for the first time. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.

    New Park Entrance From the South: To the south, an outdoor dining pavilion replaces the existing asphalt parking lot, opening the building to the park for the first time. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.

  • Landscaping View from the South: This aerial view shows how the reimagined Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts creates new pathways and connections to MacArthur Park. The design includes a new restaurant with outdoor shaded seating, walking paths, and a great lawn. Over time, a tree canopy will develop, creating a true “Museum in a Park.” Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.
    Landscaping View from the South: This aerial view shows how the reimagined Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts creates new pathways and connections to MacArthur Park. The design includes a new restaurant with outdoor shaded seating, walking paths, and a great lawn. Over time, a tree canopy will develop, creating a true “Museum in a Park.” Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.

    Landscaping View from the South: This aerial view shows how the reimagined Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts creates new pathways and connections to MacArthur Park. The design includes a new restaurant with outdoor shaded seating, walking paths, and a great lawn. Over time, a tree canopy will develop, creating a true “Museum in a Park.” Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.

  • View From Crescent Drive: A new courtyard plaza opens the historic 1937 façade onto the Crescent Lawn. Above, the Cultural Living Room acts as a community gathering and event space. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.
    View From Crescent Drive: A new courtyard plaza opens the historic 1937 façade onto the Crescent Lawn. Above, the Cultural Living Room acts as a community gathering and event space. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.

    View From Crescent Drive: A new courtyard plaza opens the historic 1937 façade onto the Crescent Lawn. Above, the Cultural Living Room acts as a community gathering and event space. Image courtesy of Studio Gang and SCAPE.

  • Courtyard Entrance Revealing the Original 1937 Façade: A new entrance to the north invites visitors to re-experience the building’s original 1937 façade. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.
    Courtyard Entrance Revealing the Original 1937 Façade: A new entrance to the north invites visitors to re-experience the building’s original 1937 façade. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

    Courtyard Entrance Revealing the Original 1937 Façade: A new entrance to the north invites visitors to re-experience the building’s original 1937 façade. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

What’s Inside

  • Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries: 20,000 square-foot gallery space showcasing temporary exhibitions as well as the AMFA Foundation Collection
  • Windgate Art School: 11,000 square-foot school featuring eight classroom studios and the Robyn and John Horn Gallery
  • Performing Arts Theater: 350-seat theater hosting Children’s Theatre productions, film screenings, concerts, and more
  • Governor Winthrop Rockefeller Lecture Hall: 153-seat lecture hall for artists talks, lectures, presentations, and more
  • Terri and Chuck Erwin Collections Research Center: 1,670 square-foot study room designed for private meetings, presentations, and other scholarly activities
  • Cultural Living Room: glass-enclosed, 5,860 square-foot community space designed for gathering and socializing with an open lounge area and coffee bar
  • Restaurant: 2,800 square-foot, full-service restaurant with indoor seating and a covered outdoor dining terrace overlooking MacArthur Park
  • Museum Store: an expanded shop featuring products from over 40 local, national, and international artists
  • Eight rentable spaces available for private events
  • View of MacArthur Park From the Restaurant: AMFA’s full-service restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor dining options with beautiful views of the Museum’s grounds and MacArthur Park. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.
    View of MacArthur Park From the Restaurant: AMFA’s full-service restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor dining options with beautiful views of the Museum’s grounds and MacArthur Park. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

    View of MacArthur Park From the Restaurant: AMFA’s full-service restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor dining options with beautiful views of the Museum’s grounds and MacArthur Park. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

  • View of the Gallery Expansion: Improved gallery spaces and new community gathering spaces such as the Cultural Living Room are joined by the two-story Atrium. Our state-of-the-art galleries will showcase the AMFA Foundation’s world-class permanent collection of local, national, and international art, and house special exhibitions.
    View of the Gallery Expansion: Improved gallery spaces and new community gathering spaces such as the Cultural Living Room are joined by the two-story Atrium. Our state-of-the-art galleries will showcase the AMFA Foundation’s world-class permanent collection of local, national, and international art, and house special exhibitions.

    View of the Gallery Expansion: Improved gallery spaces and new community gathering spaces such as the Cultural Living Room are joined by the two-story Atrium. Our state-of-the-art galleries will showcase the AMFA Foundation’s world-class permanent collection of local, national, and international art, and house special exhibitions.

  • View of MacArthur Park From the Cultural Living Room: The Cultural Living Room serves as a community space for casual gatherings and elevated events. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.
    View of MacArthur Park From the Cultural Living Room: The Cultural Living Room serves as a community space for casual gatherings and elevated events. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

    View of MacArthur Park From the Cultural Living Room: The Cultural Living Room serves as a community space for casual gatherings and elevated events. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

  • View of MacArthur Park From the Atrium: The Atrium connects visitors to the Museum Store, Windgate Art School, Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller Lecture Hall, and Performing Arts Theater. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.
    View of MacArthur Park From the Atrium: The Atrium connects visitors to the Museum Store, Windgate Art School, Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller Lecture Hall, and Performing Arts Theater. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

    View of MacArthur Park From the Atrium: The Atrium connects visitors to the Museum Store, Windgate Art School, Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller Lecture Hall, and Performing Arts Theater. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

  • View of 1937 Lobby From Courtyard Entrance: After entering the Museum through doorways underneath the historial 1937 facade, visitors will be welcomed inside the 1937 Lobby. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.
    View of 1937 Lobby From Courtyard Entrance: After entering the Museum through doorways underneath the historial 1937 facade, visitors will be welcomed inside the 1937 Lobby. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

    View of 1937 Lobby From Courtyard Entrance: After entering the Museum through doorways underneath the historial 1937 facade, visitors will be welcomed inside the 1937 Lobby. Image courtesy of Studio Gang.

Project Partners

Support

AMFA thanks the Windgate Foundation, Harriet and Warren Stephens, Terri and Chuck Erwin, Robyn and John Horn, and the Winthrop Rockefeller Trust for their transformative lead gifts to the development of the new Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. The Windgate Art School, Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries, Terri and Chuck Erwin Collections Research Center, Robyn and John Horn Gallery, and Governor Winthrop Rockefeller Lecture Hall are named in recognition of these lead gifts.

To date, the Campaign has benefited from the support of 21st Century Founders ($1 million to $35 million), Leadership Donors ($100,000 to $999,999), Major Donors ($25,000 to $99,999), and many others who have made generous donations at every gift level.

  • 21st Century Founders Campaign Recognition

    There is a very special group of 21st Century Founders of AMFA who are contributing $1 million and more. If they choose, they will receive distinctive recognition on a 21st Century Donor Wall at the corresponding giving level.

    This wall will be prominently located at the top of the grand staircase, adjacent to the main galleries. There are also signature naming opportunities available starting at the $5 million gift level.

  • Leadership Donor Campaign Recognition

    Leadership Donors to the Campaign, who contribute $100,000 to $999,999, may choose to be recognized on a Leadership Donor Campaign Wall at their corresponding giving level.

    This wall will be located at the top of the grand staircase, outside of the galleries.

  • Major Donor Campaign Recognition

    Major Donors to the Campaign, who contribute $25,000 to $99,999, may choose to be recognized on a Major Donor Campaign Wall in the new building at their corresponding giving level.

    This wall will be located on the second level, adjacent to the galleries overlooking the 1937 lobby and Courtyard Entrance.

On behalf of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Board, Foundation Board, and Staff, we offer our sincere thanks to the 21st Century Founders, Leadership Donors, and Major Donors listed below. Your commitment is making this project possible and we are grateful.

  • 21st Century Founders
    • Windgate Foundation
    • City of Little Rock
    • Harriet and Warren Stephens
    • Terri and Chuck Erwin
    • Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust
    • State of Arkansas
    • Isabel and John Ed Anthony
    • Laura Stephens, Katie and Miles Stephens, and Mary Olive and John Stephens in honor of Harriet and Warren Stephens
    • The Brown Foundation, Inc.
    • Mandy and Bill Dillard
    • Robena and Walter Hussman Jr., Hussman Foundation
    • In honor of Terri and Chuck Erwin
    • Keller Family Foundation: Julie Keller and Christoph Keller III, Laura Porter Keller and Thomas Christoph Keller, and Mary Olive Keller Stephens and John Calhoun Stephens
    • Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees
    • Chucki and Curt Bradbury
    • Sandra and Robert C. Connor
    • Elaine and Claiborne Deming
    • Cannell and Alex Dillard
    • Anne and Merritt Dyke in memory of Helen L. Porter and James T. Dyke
    • Helen Porter and Jim Dyke
    • Dede and Scott Ford, Jo Ellen and Joe Ford
    • Robyn and John Horn
    • Oaklawn Jockey Club
    • Lynn and George O’Connor
    • Aileen and James Riady
    • Lisenne Rockefeller
    • Belinda Shults
    • Carol and Witt Stephens
    • Dianne and Bobby Tucker
    • Barbara Tyson
    • Anonymous 2
  • Leadership Donors
    • Somers and Andy Collins
    • The Family of Carrie R. and H. Tyndall Dickinson
    • In honor of Merritt Dyke
    • Jackye and Curtis Finch Jr.
    • In honor of Harriet and Warren Stephens
    • Donna and Mack McLarty
    • Virginia Stuart Cobb
    • Marisa Ann Erwin and Clayton Erwin in honor of Terri and Chuck Erwin
    • Trinity Foundation
    • The Murphy Foundation
    • Bank of America
    • Melanie and Jeff Fox
    • Barbara Josephine Rogers Hoover
    • Janes Family
    • Lyon Foundation
    • The Middleton Family
    • Jacqueline and Michael Retzer
    • Stacey and Mike Ronnel, Jennifer and Steve Ronnel, Metal Recycling Corporation
    • Joan and Noel Strauss
    • Boots and Alan Warrick
    • Judy and Randy Wilbourn
    • Stephanie and Kevin Wilcox
    • Patti and Jim Womble
    • Kelly and Brad Eichler
    • Rebecca and Jackson Farrow Jr. in memory of Jeane Hamilton
    • Malvern National Bank
    • Susie and Charles Morgan
    • Sunderland Foundation
    • Catherine and Michael Mayton
    • Mimi M. and Joseph B. Hurst Jr.
    • Janet and Sam Alley
    • Arvest Bank
    • Bailey Foundation in memory of Virginia and Dr. Ted Bailey and in honor of Sharon Bailey
    • Bank OZK
    • Maritza and Terry Bean
    • Lauren and Beau Blair
    • Pam and Rick Blank
    • Becky and Gus Blass
    • Barbara and Stephen Bova
    • Sandra and Larry Bowden
    • Traci and Albert Braunfisch
    • Kathleen and Robert S. Brown
    • Roxanne and Leon Catlett
    • Dr. Susan D. Conley
    • Mary Frances and Ralph Cotham
    • Crow Burlingame, Parts Warehouse
    • Laura and Mark Doramus
    • Dove Family Foundation in honor of Harriet and Warren Stephens
    • Cynthia and Robert East
    • Judy Fletcher East in memory of John R. Fletcher
    • In honor of Terri Erwin
    • Sara Ann and Dan Felton
    • Cindy and Greg Feltus
    • First Security Bank
    • Leslie and Nik Fisken
    • June and Edmond W. Freeman
    • Friday Eldredge and Clark, LLP in honor of Ellen and J. Shepherd Russell III
    • Greer and Barnett Grace in memory of Preston W. Grace Jr.
    • Stephanie and Kenny Gunderman
    • Linda and Rush Harding
    • Rosalyn and Harry Hastings Family
    • Dr. Elizabeth and Stuart M. Irby Jr.
    • W. W. and Anne Jones Charitable Trust
    • The Philip R. Jonsson Foundation
    • Jeanne and Harold Joyner in honor of Harriet and Warren Stephens
    • Leslie and Mark Lee
    • Ginanne Graves Long
    • The Lux Family Foundation in loving memory of Ann Lux
    • Julie and Lynn Marshall
    • Michelle and Hugh McDonald
    • Carol and Fred Meadors
    • Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates and Woodyard, PLLC
    • In honor of Tuck and Cathy Morse
    • Karen and Randall Mourot
    • Martin Muller
    • Cara and Jeff Nolan
    • Stephanie and Ford Overton in honor of Susan Overton Sutton
    • Kay and Bill Patton
    • In honor of Victoria Ramirez
    • Regions Bank
    • Jordan and Noah F. Rhodes III
    • Riggs Benevolent Fund in memory of Lee and Bob Cress
    • Mary and David Ritchey
    • Dale and Lee Ronnel
    • Rose Law Firm
    • Saracen Casino Resort and the Quapaw Nation
    • Vicki and Kevin Scanlon
    • Morin Montagu Scott Family in honor of George Rufus O’Connor
    • Morin Montagu Scott Family in honor of Morin Montagu Scott Jr.
    • Christine and Mark Scully
    • Simmons Bank
    • Cindy and Warren Simpson
    • P. Allen Smith and James Sumpter in honor of Harriet and Warren Stephens
    • Rebecca and Gary Smith
    • Terri and David Snowden
    • Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust
    • Mary and Ross Whipple
    • Jolene and Louis Wilson
    • Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen
    • Anonymous 3
  • Major Donors
    • Arvest Foundation
    • City of North Little Rock
    • The Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust
    • Cindy and Chip Murphy
    • Rhonda and Tim Jordan
    • Julie Moll Peters and Dr. F. Michael Bauer
    • Anne Jansen Broadwater and Dr. Ralph Broadwater
    • Pat and Bill Carlton
    • The Clinton Family Foundation
    • Stacy and Howard Hurst, Tipton and Hurst
    • Lucy and Dorsey Jackson
    • Ginny and Baker Kurrus
    • CeCe and Howard Martindale
    • Paula and Dalt Ruffin in honor of Harriet and Warren Stephens
    • Dana and Gordon Silaski, Centennial Bank
    • Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation, Inc.
    • Mary Ellen and Dhu Thompson
    • Elizabeth and Van Tilbury, East Harding Construction
    • Nancy Eakin Dickins
    • Mary and Dr. Dean Kumpuris
    • Nancy and Drew Kumpuris
    • Arnold and Blevins Electric Company, Inc.
    • Mary and Dabbs Cavin
    • Mary and Mark Millsap
    • Mary Lynn and Sheffield Nelson
    • Melissa and Denver Peacock, Presley Peacock and Hudson Peacock
    • Judy and John Selig
    • Sarah and Jeff Teague, The Citizens Bank
    • Katherine Ann Kumpuris Trotter
    • Gay and Steven Anthony
    • Patricia Bailey
    • Tanya and C. Lowry Barnes, MD
    • Loren, Tom, Mattingly and Montana Bartole
    • Druann and Dr. Barry Baskin
    • Susan and Jay Brainard
    • William R. Brierley
    • Lally and Dr. Winston Brown
    • Ansley and John Calhoun in honor of Harriet and Warren Stephens
    • R. Byron Carlock Jr. in honor of Harriet and Warren Stephens
    • Heather and Sam Carter
    • Meredith P. and S. Graham Catlett
    • Christy and William Clark
    • Gert and Ret. General Wesley K. Clark
    • Marcia and Dr. Steven A. Clift
    • Ellon and Rogers Cockrill
    • Meghan and Andrew Collins
    • Frances and Wayne Cranford
    • Cathy and Kevin Crass
    • Mary Lou and William L. Cravens
    • Irene and George Davis
    • Robin and Stephen Davis
    • George H. Dunklin Jr. Family Foundation
    • Dora Jane and Greg Flesher
    • Marion W. Fulk
    • Mary Ann and Ted Gammill
    • Julianne and Dave Grundfest Jr.
    • Robert M. Hall Family
    • Helen and Fred Harrison
    • Jennifer Wilson Harvey and Jack Harvey
    • Sarah Henry
    • Susan and Herren Hickingbotham
    • Mary Ann and Andrew Hiegel
    • Martha and The Honorable French Hill and Jay F. Hill in memory of Jeane Hamilton
    • Carol B. Hodges, Cathy Hodges, and Anne, Kris, Harrison, Alex, and Walker Kashata in memory of Tommy Hodges
    • Mimi and Jim Hugg
    • Judy and Kelley Johnson
    • Kenan and Griff Keyes
    • Cassie and Jason LaFrance
    • Dr. Mayumi Nakagawa and John K. Lai
    • Cornelia J. and Nathaniel W. Lea IV
    • Ann Rector Lewis
    • Sarah and Mike Marquez
    • Carolyn and George McLeod
    • Donald Lee Mehlburger Family
    • Kaki and Max Mehlburger
    • Brenda Mize
    • BJ and Jimmy Moses
    • Betsey and Joe Mowery
    • Jan and Rick Murphy
    • Ellis and Briant Noland
    • Molly and Lee C. Owens
    • Harriett and Terry Pollock
    • Marcia and Michael Pollock, Julia and Michael Pollock Jr. in loving memory of Joseph Jacob Pollock
    • Leigh and Brendan Quirk
    • Victoria and George Ramirez
    • Dr. Joyce Redetzki in memory of Dr. Helmut Redetzki
    • Natalie and Win Rockefeller Jr.
    • Ellen and Shep Russell
    • Paula B. and Philip W. Schmidt
    • Martha and Bob Snider Journeycake Fund
    • Summit Utilities, Inc.
    • Gina and Philip Tappan
    • LaRand Ozier Thomas
    • Marti and Henry Thomas
    • Becky and Rett Tucker in honor of Bobby Tucker
    • UAMS Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty
    • Nancy and Tom Vandegrift
    • The Family of Mary Lynn and Bronson Van Wyck
    • Mark Waldrip
    • Kelly and Steuart Walton Fund, Walton Family Foundation
    • Olivia and Tom Walton Fund, Walton Family Foundation
    • Terri and Dr. Charles Watkins
    • Cappy and Charlie Whiteside
    • Gladys Shackelford Whitney
    • R. E. Lee Wilson Trust Foundation in honor of Patricia P. Wilson

Join

We believe in the power of the arts to change lives and communities and we hope you will join us on this exciting journey through our Capital Campaign. By participating, you will help to establish a cultural destination in the heart of Arkansas that serves the community, stimulates tourism, and drives the economy.

This is our moment to make a long term, permanent impact on the city, state and region. By joining us, you forever become a part of this once-in-a-lifetime project.

Join the Campaign

If you would like to participate in the Capital Campaign, please know there is special recognition to honor your gift at every donation level, and contributions can be pledged over three to five years.

Please contact the Development office for more information.

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