Designed, as a contemporary facility the AMOA is the centerpiece of Alexandria's Riverfront, situated on an entire urban block adjacent to the Red River Levee Park.

The expanded facility is composed of two wings, one of which is constructed within the existing historic neo-classical facades of the former Rapides Bank Building, Circa 1898.

The museum comprises seven exhibition spaces, curatorial and collection storage, administrative and education space, other public gathering areas, and support areas.

The 27,000 sq ft facility was designed, not only to exhibit the museum's permanent and traveling collections, but also as a well functioning facility, integrating and promoting a positive visitor experience, and providing the necessary and functional back of the house curatorial areas.