When you think of murals in Hot Springs, AR, you might first think of the historic bathhouses. And those are amazing. But there’s another layer to this town, a vibrant and colorful story painted right on its walls. If you’re looking for that perfect mix of culture, history, and that killer Instagram backdrop, you’ve come to the right place.
Exploring the murals in Hot Springs, AR, is like a treasure hunt through the city’s soul, from its deepest history to its most playful modern spirit. These artworks bring energy, they tell forgotten stories, and they turn a simple walk downtown into an adventure. So, grab your phone and your walking shoes. Let’s find them.
1. The Quapaw Mural
Your mural crawl has to start here. Located at 502 Central Avenue, this massive piece is impossible to miss. Painted by artist Pepe Gaka, it honors the Quapaw Tribe, the area’s first residents. The mural faces famous Bathhouse Row, and that’s the whole point.
It’s a powerful, beautiful reminder of the people who first cherished these thermal springs, long before it became a spa town. It connects the past to the present in one stunning visual. You can’t understand Hot Springs without seeing this.
2. Verna’s Dream
Just down the street at 320 Central Avenue, you’ll find another Pepe Gaka masterpiece. This one is called “Verna’s Dream,” and it’s like a window into the magical Garvan Woodland Gardens.
The mural is a burst of botanical color right in the middle of the city. It celebrates the founder of the gardens, Verna Cook Garvan. So it brings the natural beauty of the area’s outskirts into the heart of downtown. It’s a peaceful, whimsical spot that makes you appreciate the green soul of this place.
3. Lauray’s Angel Wings
Okay, get your camera ready. At 402 Central Avenue, on the side of Lauray’s the Diamond Center, are the famous crystal angel wings. Painted by John Payne, this mural is pure interactive fun. The wings are covered in glittering details that catch the sun. It was created as a thank-you to the community.
And now, everyone lines up to stand in the wings for a photo. It’s playful, it’s sparkling, and it perfectly mixes the city’s jewelry history with modern social media culture.
4. Central Theater Murals
The historic Central Theater at 1008 Central Avenue got a brilliant makeover thanks to artist Jason Botkin. On the front, you’ll find a stunning, intricate design based on Arkansas’s native coneflower.
Then, walk to the left side of the building. There, you’ll see a wild and collaborative community mural made by local artists. This spot is awesome because it layers new, imaginative art onto a classic 1930s building. It shows how Hot Springs honors its history but isn’t stuck in the past.
5. Black Broadway
This mural, at 350 Malvern Avenue, is one of the most important in the city. Painted by Pepe Gaka and Anthony Tidwell, it celebrates the “Black Broadway” era. From the 1930s to the 1960s, this neighborhood hosted legendary African-American entertainers who couldn’t stay elsewhere due to segregation.
The models in the mural are local community members and high school band students. So it’s not just history; it’s living history. It vibrantly honors a culture and a community that shaped the city’s heartbeat.
6. Playing Cards
Calling all sports fans! At 204 Malvern Avenue, you’ll find a fantastic tribute to baseball. Artists Chris Arnold and Jeff Garrison painted legendary players like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson on giant baseball cards. This is because Hot Springs was the original spring training destination.
The mural is graphic, fun, and full of nostalgia. It connects you directly to a time when baseball giants walked these very streets. It’s a home run of public art.
7. Check It Out (The Dragon Mural)
You don’t expect a dragon at the library, but in Hot Springs, you get one! This incredible, colorful piece by Bethannie Newsom Steelman is on the side of the Garland County Library at 1427 Malvern Avenue. Titled “Check It Out,” the dragon symbolizes imagination and the magic of stories.
It turns the library into a dynamic cultural spot. The bold colors and mythical creature make it a favorite for everyone. It proves that art and learning go hand in hand.
The Bottom Line: More Than Just Paint
So, why hunt for these murals? Because they are the city’s personality, painted large. They tell the stories that brochures sometimes miss. They honor the first inhabitants, celebrate forgotten heroes, spark imagination, and just add pure joy to a city walk.
You get history, art, nature, and that perfect photo, all in one trip. To truly feel the vibrant pulse of this unique town, you absolutely must explore the incredible murals in Hot Springs, AR.