River of Tulips (Garvan Woodland Gardens), enhanced photograph by Michael Preble, courtesy Artists' Workshop Gallery, Hot Springs

It’s no wonder artistic expression abounds in Hot Springs. The Spa City’s beautiful surroundings, rich heritage and diverse culture provide plenty of fodder for the many galleries and museums you’ll find here. With works of art in any medium and modern exhibits that feature the city’s exuberant past, you’re bound to find something to pique your interest.

One of the main attractions is the monthly Gallery Walk, which takes place the first Friday of every month. Stroll downtown Hot Springs and immerse yourself in the thriving arts culture by meeting artists and fellow art lovers while taking in beautiful works at various galleries.

ART GALLERIES

Alison Parsons Studio
1017 Lakeshore Drive, Hot Springs
(501) 655-0604 | AlisonParsons.com

Visit a working artist’s studio on Lake Hamilton. Paintings, prints, note cards of local landmarks and much more! Come by boat or car — located just 2 miles from Sam’s Club. Facebook: Alison Parsons Studio. Open most times and especially when I am creating new art!


American Art Gallery
724 Central Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 624-0550 | AmericanArtGalleryAndGifts.com

Local, regional and national artists are featured in this large gallery. Fine art fills two floors and 4,000 square feet. Upstairs is a Thomas Kinkade Showcase Gallery. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. M-Sa.


Dryden Art Pottery Studio
341 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 623-4201 | DrydenPottery.com

Shop our showroom full of one-of-a-kind functional art pottery. Famous, highly collectable and great for gifts! Cups, bowls, plates, vases and fine art, all made on-site with mid-America clays and Arkansas quartz. Come and watch a free potter’s wheel demonstration given daily from 10-11 a.m. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. M-Sa.


Fox Pass Pottery
379 Fox Pass Cutoff, Hot Springs
(501) 623-9906 | FoxPassPottery.com

Fox Pass is a small studio producing high-fired functional stoneware pottery. The artists mix their own clay, fire in both gas and wood-fired kilns and create their own glazes. Visitors are welcome to visit the sales gallery or the studio to watch the artists at work. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tu-Sa.


Justus Fine Art Gallery
827-A Central Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 321-2335 | JustusFineArt.com

Owned by artist Dolores Justus, Justus Fine Art Gallery offers a wide range of original art including paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and more by recognized artists. New exhibitions are featured monthly. Opening receptions are held in conjunction with the Hot Springs Gallery Walk held from 5-9 p.m. the first Friday of every month in downtown Hot Springs. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. W-Sa or by appointment.


Riley Art Glass Studio
710 W. Grand Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 318-6193 | RileyArtGlass.com

A glassblowing studio and gallery open to the public for live demonstrations. Several pieces on display and available for purchase year-round in a wide range of sizes and prices. The Riley brothers create all pieces on-site and encourage the public to learn more about the art of glassblowing up close. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tu-Sa (we close early in the summer due to heat). Call or check website for current demonstration schedule.


Whittington Gallery / Studios
307 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 607-0214 |

Whittington Gallery has 40 local artists with a wide variety of works, pastels, acrylics and oil paintings, pottery, jewelry, gourd art and more! Whittington is a laid-back gallery with reasonably priced artwork. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. M-Sa. Closed Su.

ARTS EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Hot Springs Blues Festival
600 Block of Central Avenue, Hot Springs
SpaCityBlues.org

The annual Hot Springs Blues Festival is scheduled for the first weekend in September at Hill Wheatley Plaza. Past acts include Kenny Neal, Hubert Sumlin, Coco Montoya, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Bobby Blue Bland, Michael Burks, Wes Jeans, Grant Garland and Jarekus Singleton. Follow our Facebook page for the latest information.


Hot Springs Craft Beer Festival
Hot Springs
HSCraftBeerFest.com

Spa City Blues Society presents the Hot Springs Craft Beer Festival late in the year during 2020. We’re planning for a new location and new events. Follow our Facebook page for more information.


Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
659 Ouachita Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 538-0452 | HSDFI.org

More than 1,000 documentary films are submitted, and 100 are selected for the festival. Filmmakers from around the world participate in Q&As with the audience. There are workshops, musical events and festivities that culminate in a Filmmaker Gala. Festival held in October. Check website for dates.


Hot Springs International Horror Film Festival
1008 Central Ave., Hot Springs
HotSpringsHorrorFilmFestival.com

From killer shorts to full-length feasts of terror, films from the Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller and Fantasy genres are represented. Submissions come from around the world. The four-day event includes panel discussions, a film competition and Q&A sessions with industry professionals. Held at the historic Central Theater in downtown.


Hot Springs Jazz Society
P.O. Box 22662, Hot Springs
(501) 627-2425 | HSJazzSociety.org

Join us for the annual Hot Springs JazzFest over Labor Day weekend. JazzFest is presented with a variety of venues with both free and fee concerts. The signature event is the free “Jazz in the Streets” on Saturday in the outdoor Entertainment district on Broadway Street.

MUSEUMS

The Galaxy Connection
626 Central Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 276-4432 | TheGalaxyConnection.com

Walk into a personal collection of Star Wars and superhero props, characters and exhibits! Lots of photo opportunities and fun to be had! See website or call for hours.


The Gangster Museum of America
510 Central Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 318-1717 | TGMOA.com

Take a trip back in time when some of the most infamous criminals in America visited Hot Springs to enjoy the hot water, wagering and whiskey. A guided tour through seven galleries shows you where America's rich, famous, powerful and notorious vacationed. Shop in Arkansas' most famous hat store, The Hatterie. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Su-Th and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. F-Sa.


Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
250 Central Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 623-5836 | SeeHotSprings.com

At Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum you’ll find recreations of celebrities, royalty and presidents, as well as historically accurate battle scenes and a wax version of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper.” Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. M-Th and 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. F-Sa.


Maxwell Blade's Curiosity Museum
817 Central Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 623-6200 | MaxwellBlade.com

The museum exhibits over 300 rare and unusual items from around the world. From the Fiji mermaid and two-headed animals to items belonging to giant people and small people. A two headed, five-legged pig or a 200-year-old, 7-foot ship built by the French prisoners of war. An eclectic collection unlike any in America! Open daily in season 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and various hours in the off season. Open all holidays.


Mid-America Science Museum
500 Mid-America Blvd., Hot Springs
(501) 767-3461 | MidAmericaMuseum.org

IMLS Medal Winner and Smithsonian Affiliate, Mid-America Science Museum has 100-plus engaging, hands-on science exhibits including the world’s most powerful conical Tesla Coil. Experience the Bob Wheeler science skywalk, the Oaklawn Foundation Digital Dome Theater and the new Oaklawn Foundation DinoTrek, the state’s first ever outdoor dinosaur exhibit located on the 21 wooded acres around the museum. Visit the museum’s workshops, Arkansas Underfoot, and Alliance Rubber Company Tinkering Studio. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at MidAmericaMuseum.org. Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tu-Sa and 1-5 p.m. Su. Summer hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-Sa and 1-5 p.m. Su.


Mountain Valley Spring Co. Visitor Center & Museum
150 Central Ave., Hot Springs National Park
(501) 246-8017 | MountainValleySpring.com

Tour the museum at Mountain Valley Spring Visitor Center in our Historic Building built in 1900. Our water is straight from the same spring since 1871 up in the Ouachita Mountains 12 miles north of Hot Springs. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. M-Sa and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Su. Extended summer hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. M-Sa.

PERFORMING ARTS & THEATERS

Hot Springs Bathhouse Dinner Theatre
701 Central Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 318-1600 | HotSpringsBathhouseDinnerTheatre.com

One of Hot Springs’ best attractions and is within walking distance of all the major downtown hotels. We offer quality, family-friendly, live entertainment year-round! The theatre features live music shows, magic shows, comedy shows and theatrical productions. Tickets include an awesome buffet dinner and the show. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. and buffet begins at 6 p.m.


The Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic
817 Central Ave., Hot Springs
(501) 623-6200 | MaxwellBlade.com

Mystery Awaits! The Maxwell Blade show will take you on a journey inside the world of magic, illusion and comedy, suitable for the entire family. Master Illusionist Maxwell Blade has recently relocated back to “the Malco” theatre with a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility — bringing back his Vegas style show unlike any show in America today. This is a must see as we celebrate 24 years in downtown Hot Springs. Call or visit website for tickets and information.