Nestled in the historic MacArthur Park, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) invites visitors to explore its exhibits where art comes alive. The museum has a storied history, dating back to 1914. A group of women known as the Fine Arts Club sought to bring the arts to Arkansas, and their dedication led to the museum’s founding. It was the first fine arts museum in the state and has since undergone more than seven expansions to keep up with its growing collection and increasing public interest. Its core values include accessibility, knowledge, and interaction with the local community.
Both guided and self-guided tour options allow educators to shape the student experience for the best learning outcomes. Self-guided group tours can be scheduled in advance and allow students to explore the museum freely and at their own pace. This lets educators use the museum exhibits to craft their own curriculum for in-class learning. Helpful resources, such as audio tours, can round out your self-guided trip.
Guided Tours & Experiences
The AMFA also offers a wide variety of docent-led tour themes to best suit your group’s needs. The Art of Looking invites learners of all ages to get hands-on with sketchbook activities as they engage with art through creativity, collaboration, and inquiry. Grades 3-12 can learn, question, and discover the correlation between art and science with their STEAM tour. K-12 students explore art through time with their A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time tour, designed to spark thoughtful discussions.
All school tours run about one hour and align with Arkansas Fine Arts Academic Standards. Check out their in-depth online packet for a more comprehensive look at how they address learning standards. Once a school group tour is booked, educators will receive a museum welcome guide with helpful information, including guidance on how best to prepare students for their visit. Check out their museum tour reflection activities for grade-level-based outlines on how to carry their education from the museum to the classroom.
Educational Programming
AMFA’s Performing Arts Theater hosts children’s programs that offer exciting, educational performances for young viewers. Learn about significant historical figures like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, enjoy fresh takes on timeless classics, or see a vibrant adaptation of a beloved book full of important lessons. Their children’s programs highlight educational themes in music history, live performance, and personal growth lessons. Youth audition workshops also engage students in a love of theatre. Theatre performance reflection activities add an extra layer of education, helping outline learning standards for educators with grade-level-based reflection questions and activities.
Since its conception, AMFA has been committed to bringing fine arts to the masses of Arkansas. For a comprehensive arts field trip, you can’t beat a trip to the historic halls of the AMFA. Use their docent-led tours and educational resources for a well-rounded, fun trip students will talk about for years to come.
