Little Rock – The Clinton Presidential Center is set to undergo its first major renovation since opening in 2004. The two‑year project will temporarily close the museum while updating exhibits, adding modern technology, and expanding both indoor and outdoor spaces for visitors.
Key elements of the renovation
Stephanie Streett, executive director of the Clinton Foundation, said the plan includes a new 5,000‑square‑foot gallery dedicated to former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s archival collection. The gallery will sit alongside a shaded plaza that links the museum to historic Choctaw Station, the new I‑30 Crossing Park, and the riverfront.
“This is our first major renovation since we opened in 2004,” Streett explained. “Clearly, the technology in the building and the exhibits needs to be refreshed. We’re thinking about not changing the story—history is history—but presenting it in a more user‑friendly way using technology.”
Design and community focus
Juliane Wolf, design principal and partner at Studio Gang, described the new shade canopy as a venue for both programmed and unprogrammed community activities. “It will create a comfortable shaded outdoor space for a lot of unprogrammed and programmed activities,” Wolf said.
The renovation also aims to make the center more appealing to younger visitors who did not experience the Clinton administration firsthand. Visitor surveys and conversations with students, teachers, and community partners helped shape the plans.
Campus expansion and green space
The Clinton Center campus currently spans 50 acres, including the former Heifer International property now home to the Clinton School of Public Service. When the renovation is complete, the combined area of the center, I‑30 Crossing Park, and Riverfront Park will total roughly 100 acres of green space in Little Rock’s urban core.
Studio Gang is collaborating with Hope Stanley Wilcox Architects and a local contractor to bring the design to life.
Future visitor experience
After the center reopens, the foundation will continue to track visitor numbers and collect feedback. Admission for students will remain free, reinforcing the center’s educational mission.
The renovation reflects a broader effort to keep Little Rock’s cultural institutions vibrant and relevant for future generations while preserving the historical narrative of the Clinton era.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
