Colorful mural of cowboys
Colorful mural of cowboys

Gallery: History, Art, Culture in Fort Smith

A Celebration of Past & Present: Explore Fort Smith’s rich history, art, and culture.

Whether you're a history buff, an art lover or someone who loves to immerse themselves in local culture, Fort Smith has it all and then some.

In the frontier days, Fort Smith was a rugged outpost on the edge of the Wild West. Today, visitors can explore these origins at places like the Fort Smith National Historic Site and other interactive, family-friendly museums — all capturing the city’s unique role in American history.

Beyond its storied past, Fort Smith has emerged as a vibrant cultural destination. The city’s thriving arts scene is showcased in The Unexpected murals project, where large-scale street art transforms buildings into breathtaking works of creativity. The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum highlights both local and international artists, offering a diverse, rotating collection of exhibitions.

Live music, theater performances and cultural festivals bring Fort Smith’s creative energy to life. The city hosts events year-round that celebrate its heritage and diversity, including the Old Fort Days Rodeo and the Peacemaker Music Festival. 

Whether you’re exploring history, admiring world-class street art or rocking out to live music, Fort Smith offers an enriching and inspiring experience to all ages!

Mural of cowboys
Colorful abstract mural
U.S. Marshals Museum
Statue with fireworks in background
Trolley driver waving
Riverfront Park
Regional art museum
Fort Smith National Historic Site
statue
tombstone
People in a museum
museum exhibit
trolley and statue
Statue at U.S. Marshals Museum
mural and ferris wheel
statue of a woman
exhibit inside U.S. Marshals Museum
exterior of Clayton House
exhibit at a museum
U.S. Marshals badge
statue of a man reading a book
inside an historic house
inside an historic home with people in the room
inside of a room at historic home
historic wagon and home
sunshine behind the horse statue

massive arrow sculpture

statue of Bass Reeves

outside of Miss Laura's

murals on silos

Plan your trip to Fort Smith!