Little Rock's Must-See Public Art

Little Rock is a city alive with art, and you'll find stunning works of public art around every turn. Let this list be a jumping-off point for your Little Rock art exploration. From international treasures to inspiring sculptures, handmade installations, and stunning illuminations, Little Rock's public art collection is well worth exploring.

H.U. Lee International Gate

One of the city's most beautiful art pieces is right in the heart of downtown: the H. U. Lee International Gate. The gate and its adjacent garden were a gift of appreciation from the American Taekwondo Association and its international members and supporters to the people of Arkansas. It pays homage to Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee, who established the association's global headquarters in Little Rock in 1977. Today, visitors can pass under its intricate and ornately decorated roof to the tranquil garden beyond. At almost 40 feet long and weighing 80 tons, the gate is a can't-miss selfie spot.

River Lights in the Rock

Easily qualifying as Little Rock's largest artwork, River Lights in the Rock includes three bridges spanning the Arkansas River connecting Little Rock and North Little Rock. Each night at dusk, the three bridges – the Main Street Bridge, the Junction Bridge, and the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge – light up in dazzling color from tens of thousands of LED lightbulbs. The colors and patterns change nightly, and, on the hour, the bridges shimmer in a glittering spectacle.

Peace Mural

Little Rock has a lot of murals – so many that there's even a self-guided tour to see them all – but if you ask most locals what their favorite is, you'll likely get one answer: the peace mural. Located along 7th Street, just west of the Arkansas State Capitol, the mural is a joint effort between artists from around Little Rock and across central Arkansas. It features imagery from the civil rights movement and calls for social justice.

Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden

Sure, an entire sculpture collection may not count as a single work of art, but with more than 90 sculptures of every size, choosing a single statue to feature is impossible. Located in Riverfront Park on the bank of the Arkansas River, the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden features landscaped "galleries" with sculptures around every corner. From tiny works inspired by nature to larger-than-life sculptures that will spark your imagination, it's easy to see why the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden is one of Little Rock's shiniest hidden gems.

Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet

The William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum has a long history of hosting fascinating exhibits, and its current art installation, Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet, is no exception. The exhibition features 26 intricately decorated globes spread throughout the museum's campus. Each of the massive spheres was created by a different artist, including four designed by Little Rock locals. A fantastic example of public art with a purpose, each sculpture highlights a unique way we can make a difference in the fight against climate change.