Robinson Center celebrates 10 years since historic transformation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) invites the public to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Robinson Center’s historic $70 million restoration, renovation and expansion with a special event Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, marking a decade since the venue reopened to the public in 2016.

Free to the public from 4-7 p.m., guests can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, live performances by the center’s resident companies Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Arkansas and Celebrity Attractions Broadway Series including a ‘Meet and Greet’ opportunity with Mrs. Potts of the upcoming hosting of Beauty and the Beast, and additional programming. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore Robinson Center through an interactive passport activity, collecting stamps at designated locations throughout the building for a chance to win season passes with the resident organizations.

“Robinson Center has been an important part of Little Rock’s history for generations,” said LRCVB President & CEO Gina Gemberling. “Its transformation 10 years ago created new avenues to host a variety of events in the city for both our residents and visitors. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with the community, and we invite everyone to explore the venue and see what makes Robinson Center such a special part of downtown Little Rock and an asset for our state's cultural community.”

Named in honor of former Arkansas Governor and U.S. Congressman Joseph T. Robinson, Robinson Center has been a landmark in the capital city since 1939. For decades, the venue served as a gathering place for concerts, performances by Elvis Presley and other notable celebrities, civic events, and many community occasions. By the early 2010s, the aging facility required significant updates.

The $70 million renovation preserved the character of the original building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but also provided the space, technology, accessibility and infrastructure to support successful major Broadway shows, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Arkansas performances — both celebrating 60 years in 2026 —, touring productions, and meetings and events with the addition of a new conference center. Since reopening Nov. 10, 2016, Robinson Center’s events have attracted visitors to Little Rock and served as a cultural anchor for the community

“Robinson Center reflects the best of Little Rock’s past as it remains a key investment in Little Rock’s future,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “Since this important venue reopened, it has helped boost the local economy, attracted visitors who support our restaurants and hotels and provided arts and entertainment at an arm’s reach. As we look forward to what’s ahead for Robinson Center, we hope the community will join us to commemorate all it has accomplished already.”

The event will be held at Robinson Center, located at 426 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. For more information about Robinson Center or the event, visit LittleRock.com/Robinson-Center.

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ABOUT THE LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 

The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Little Rock, responsible for promoting the city for convention and leisure travel. The LRCVB also operates the Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, Cromwell Building, and the River Market which includes Ottenheimer Hall, two open air pavilions, and the First Security Amphitheater, as well as multiple parking facilities. The LRCVB is primarily funded by the city’s lodging tax and prepared food tax. The organization has four primary divisions: Finance & Administration; Sales, Services, & Community Engagement; Marketing & Communications; and Facility Operations. For more information, visit here.