Gann Museum

About the Museum

Built in 1893, the office of Dr. Dewell Gann, Sr., is the only known bauxite building in existence, making it an architectural landmark. The building was constructed by patients who could not afford to pay for services he had rendered to them. The soft stone was dug from a farm nearby, sawn into blocks with a handsaw and allowed to harden for six weeks. On an inside wall is an imprint of Dr. Gann’s foot, made from the time he spent sitting waiting for patients in a rocker with his foot propped against the wall.  The building served as the Gann Medical Office until 1946 when it was given by Dr. Dewell Gann, Jr., to the City of Benton to be used as a library and, later, a museum.

Located next to the museum is the Gann residence.

The Gann Museum has an extensive collection of Niloak and other pottery, Native American Artifacts, memorabilia and history of Saline County, as well as artifacts and memorabilia of Dr. Gann Sr. and Jr.   The Gann Museum also plays an important role in Saline County by creating a physical link to its heritage. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the 138thbuilding in the state so recognized.

If you would like to view the Museum’s Nomination Form it is below:

Gann Museum Nomination Form

For more information about the Gann Museum visit:

The Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Museum FAQs

218 S Market St

Benton, Arkansas 72015

(501) 778 – 5513

The Gann Museum is located in Benton, Arkansas at 218 S Market.

The application below can be filled out and returned to the Gann Museum of Saline County to become a member.

Membership Application

Donations checks are to be made out to the Gann Museum of Saline County and to be received at the Gann Museum on 218 S Market Street in Benton, Arkansas.

Your gift or membership helps maintain the Gann Museum collections and supports on-going research, archiving collections, maintenance and operations of the Gann Museum. Give or donate today! We thank you in advance for your charitable contribution and would like to remind you that the Gann Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and that all contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contact us at (501) 778 – 5513 or stop by 218 South Market Benton, Arkansas 72015.

Thank you for joining us in our efforts to preserve Saline County’s history!

There are many other interesting places to visit and things to see in Benton.  To find out what is going on around the city visit the links below.

For more information regarding the Gann Museum visit the links below.