10 Years Later, Robinson Center is Still Raising the Curtain

Ten years can change a lot. For Robinson Center, it changed what was possible inside one of Little Rock’s most recognizable buildings. Since reopening in 2016 after a $70 million renovation, restoration, and expansion, the historic venue has become a stage for Broadway productions, symphony and ballet performances, concerts, meetings, and events.

Now, Robinson Center is marking 10 years since its transformation, with a new Broadway season ahead and two of Little Rock’s longtime arts organizations celebrating milestones of their own.

A $70 MILLION BET ON LITTLE ROCK

Robinson Center has been part of Little Rock’s downtown story since 1939, when it opened as Robinson Auditorium. For generations, the building gave the city a place to gather for performances, concerts, community events, and major occasions. But by the early 2010s, the 76-year-old venue needed more than a few updates.

Little Rock made a major investment in its future. Voters approved dedicating the existing 2% advertising and promotion tax to fund the project, with the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau leading the effort.

The renovation preserved the character of the original building while giving Robinson Center the space, technology, accessibility, and infrastructure to take on more. The result was a venue better equipped for major performances, touring productions, meetings, and events, opening the door to a much bigger role downtown.

When Robinson Center reopened in 2016, the difference was clear. What had been an important part of Little Rock’s history could now play a bigger part in its future.

A STAGE BUILT FOR BIGGER MOMENTS

That new capacity quickly became about more than what could happen inside the building. Broadway shows, concerts, conventions, and other events draw people downtown, adding activity that reaches nearby restaurants, hotels, shops, and businesses.

A busy calendar also gives Robinson Center a larger role in the city itself. It can host major touring productions and conventions while providing a home for arts organizations that have spent decades building audiences in Arkansas.

SIX DECADES OF MAKING MUSIC & MOVEMENT

Two of Little Rock’s longtime performing arts organizations share a milestone connection in 2026. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Arkansas both trace important chapters of their histories to 1966, marking 60 years of music and movement with roots in Little Rock.

Robinson Center has become an important part of both organizations’ seasons, giving symphony and ballet a prominent downtown stage. Generations of musicians, dancers, and audiences have been part of their stories, and six decades later, both organizations continue adding to them with each new season.

THE NEXT SEASON IS ALREADY LOOKING BIG

Robinson Center’s calendar keeps the momentum going. The next Broadway season is already taking shape, with Beetlejuice, The Wiz, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and more headed to the stage.

Broadway is only part of what’s ahead. Performances from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Arkansas share the calendar with concerts, comedy, touring productions, and other live events throughout the year. Together, they keep Robinson Center at the center of Little Rock’s live entertainment scene.

Arkansas Symphony and Orchestra playing in the Robinson Center to the Happy Potter movies.

Ten years after reopening, Robinson Center continues to do what Little Rock invested in it to do: put great performances on stage, bring people downtown, and give the city a venue ready for what comes next.

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