Hot Springs Murals Highlight Vibrant Heritage of City

Mural of a lively band playing instruments against an orange sky.
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Explore art that honors community, culture and Hot Springs history

Hot Springs has always been a city shaped by its streets. Walk a few blocks in any direction and the past begins to rise from old storefronts, historic bathhouses and long-time gathering spots. In recent years, another layer has joined that story as artists have filled building walls with bright color and local history. The murals of Hot Springs offer a look at the people who built these neighborhoods and the traditions that still shape Hot Springs today.

Many of the most meaningful Hot Springs murals appear along Malvern Avenue and Pleasant Street. This part of town was once known as Black Broadway and was home to entertainment venues that hosted Count Basie, Duke Ellington and B.B. King. Italian artist Giuseppe Percivati, known as Pepe Gaka, created several murals here to honor the area’s cultural roots and its place in Arkansas history. The Pythian Bathhouse and the National Baptist Hotel stand as reminders of the Pleasant Street Historic District, a district built by and for the African American community.

Mural of people with instruments against a sunset beach backdrop.

350 Malvern Avenue

Mural on a blue wall featuring three historical figures with text beside each portrait.

215 E. Grand Avenue

Another moving Hot Springs mural sits on the side of 501 Prime and highlights Dr. Edith Irby Jones, John C. Puckett and Mamie Phipps Clark, each of whom made an impact on medicine, music and civil rights, respectively. At nearby 403 Pleasant St., the historic John Lee Webb House is being restored into a community resource center and a museum centered on the city’s African American heritage.

Mural of a person with a halo against a sunset, wearing wristbands and a white shirt.

127 Pleasant Street

Children painted on a brick wall with large colorful crayon shapes.

247 Silver Street

Percivati’s art continues across downtown with murals on the Webb Community Center and the Cutwell 4 Kids Building. More appear along Central Avenue with pieces that showcase the city’s Quapaw ties, Garvan Woodland Gardens and Hot Springs’ sister city relationship with Hanamaki, Japan. Together, these works create a colorful trail through Hot Springs culture and the stories that continue to define the city.

Central Avenue Murals

More appear along Central Avenue with pieces that showcase the city’s Quapaw ties, Garvan Woodland Gardens and Hot Springs’ sister city relationship with Hanamaki, Japan. 

Mural of a figure in traditional attire with feathers on a bright yellow wall under a clear blue sky.

424 Central Avenue

Colorful mural on a building showing nature, birds, and a serene woman with flowers.

320 Central Avenue

Snowy mountain lodge with warm lights, surrounded by trees.

833 Central Avenue