Unexpected Project: Fort Smith's Urban Art Revolution
Discover stunning murals and urban art installations in the heart of Fort Smith, where art meets history and revitalization takes center stage.
The Unexpected Project is a collection of vibrant murals and art installations scattered throughout downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas, transforming the city into an open-air art gallery since 2015. This revitalization effort showcases international artists and breathes new life into historic buildings.
A brief summary to Unexpected Project
- Garrison Ave, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901, US
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Grab a printed map from Miss Laura's Visitors Center at 2 N. B St. to easily locate all the murals and art installations.
- Explore the artwork on foot to fully appreciate the details and discover hidden gems tucked away on side streets.
- Visit during the annual Unexpected festival to witness artists creating new works and participate in community events.
- Check out the UnexpectedFS app for information on artists, lodging and more.
Getting There
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Walking
The Unexpected Project is centered in downtown Fort Smith, easily accessible on foot from most points in the area. From the Fort Smith National Historic Site, head north on 3rd Street, then turn left onto Garrison Avenue. The murals begin appearing within a few blocks. Enjoy the stroll and take in the sights of downtown. Metered parking is available on Garrison Ave for $0.50/hour and $0.25/40 minutes on side streets. Parking is free after 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
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Public Transport
Fort Smith Transit provides bus service throughout the city. Several routes run through the downtown area, making it easy to reach the Unexpected Project. From the Downtown Transfer Station at 200 Wheeler Avenue, walk east on Garrison Avenue to view the murals. A single ride fare is $1.25. Check the Fort Smith Transit website or app for route maps and schedules.
Discover more about Unexpected Project
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fort Smith Historic District
0.1 km
Step back in time at Fort Smith Historic District, where history, culture, and Southern charm converge in a captivating experience.
Ft. Smith Confederate Monument
0.1 km
Explore the Ft. Smith Confederate Monument - a significant historical site in Arkansas that reflects on the complexities of the Civil War era.
Bass Reeves Monument
0.4 km
Explore Bass Reeves Monument in Fort Smith, Arkansas, a historical landmark celebrating the legacy of America's first Black Deputy U.S. Marshal.
Fort Smith National Historic Site Parking
0.5 km
Explore the Fort Smith National Historic Site, a key historical landmark in Arkansas, revealing the rich narrative of America's frontier and law enforcement evolution.
Old Fort Smith Commissary
0.5 km
Explore the Old Fort Smith Commissary, a historic landmark that reveals the rich history of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and its role in the American frontier.
Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau
0.7 km
Explore Fort Smith, Arkansas: A blend of history, culture, and nature awaits in this charming southern city.
Zachary Taylor’s Chimney/Fireplace
0.7 km
Discover the rich history and architectural beauty of Zachary Taylor's Chimney, a must-visit landmark in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Things to do in Fort Smith
4.2 km
Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Fort Smith, Arkansas, for a unique travel experience filled with music, art, and delicious cuisine.
Old Iron Bridge
4.4 km
Discover the Old Iron Bridge in Fort Smith, Arkansas - a historic landmark showcasing stunning architecture and rich local heritage.
Drennen Scott House
8.1 km
Discover the rich history of the Drennen Scott House, a captivating museum in Van Buren, Arkansas, showcasing the lives and times of its historic residents.
Van Buren Historic District
8.6 km
Discover the Van Buren Historic District, a beautifully preserved area with charming architecture, unique shops, and a vibrant local culture that transports you back in time.
Cavanal Hill
42.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cavanal Hill, the highest hill in the world, and enjoy stunning views of Oklahoma's landscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fort Smith Museum of History
0.3 km
Discover Fort Smith's captivating past through immersive exhibits and artifacts at the city's oldest history museum.
Cisterna Park
0.4 km
Discover a tranquil urban escape at Cisterna Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas, featuring lush landscapes, a beautiful fountain, and historical monuments.
Fort Smith National Historic Site
0.5 km
Explore Fort Smith National Historic Site, where American frontier history comes alive through engaging exhibits and preserved structures.
Fort Smith Trolley Museum
0.5 km
Step back in time at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, where vintage streetcars and railway history come to life in the heart of Fort Smith.
Fort Smith National Cemetery
0.5 km
A historic national cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, honoring the brave men and women who served the nation from the Civil War to today.
Park at West End
0.5 km
Discover vintage charm and family fun at Park at West End in Fort Smith, featuring a historic Ferris wheel and unique attractions.
Belle Grove Historic District
0.6 km
Explore Victorian architecture and rich history in Fort Smith's Belle Grove Historic District, a 22-block neighborhood with stunning homes and landmarks.
Clayton House
0.6 km
Experience Victorian elegance and Wild West history at Fort Smith's Clayton House, the beautifully restored home of Judge Parker's chief prosecutor.
Miss Laura's Visitor Center
0.7 km
Explore Fort Smith's Wild West history at Miss Laura's Visitor Center, a restored bordello offering tours and information about the city's colorful past.
Old Fort Smith
0.7 km
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Fort Smith at Old Fort Smith, a historic site showcasing military life and cultural heritage.
Anniversary Rose Garden
0.7 km
Discover a vibrant floral paradise at Fort Smith's Anniversary Rose Garden, a serene escape filled with stunning roses and picturesque landscapes.
Harry E. Kelley River Park
0.9 km
Experience outdoor fun and community events at Fort Smith's scenic Harry E. Kelley River Park on the Arkansas River.
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
1.1 km
Discover world-class art and enriching experiences at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, a cultural gem in the heart of Arkansas.
Fort Smith Riverfront Trail
1.1 km
Explore history and nature along the scenic Arkansas River at the Fort Smith Riverfront Trail. Paved paths, historical insights, and outdoor fun.
United States Marshals Museum
1.3 km
Explore the history of America's oldest law enforcement agency through immersive exhibits and historical artifacts at the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, AR.
Essential places to dine
5th Street Cafe
0.1 km
Discover the best breakfast in Fort Smith at 5th Street Cafe - where every meal feels like home.
Prima Italia
0.2 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors at Prima Italia – where fine dining meets a cozy atmosphere in Fort Smith.
Neumeier's Rib Room
0.2 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Neumeier's Rib Room in Fort Smith – where every bite tells a story of flavor and tradition.
Bricktown Brewery
0.3 km
Discover flavorful American cuisine and craft brews at Bricktown Brewery in Fort Smith, where great food meets vibrant atmosphere.
Thai Curry
0.3 km
Experience authentic Thai cuisine in Fort Smith with flavorful dishes and a warm atmosphere at Thai Curry - perfect for every palate.
Rolando's Restaurante
0.4 km
Discover Rolando's Restaurante: A Taste of Authentic Latin American Flavors in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
AJ's Oyster House
0.4 km
Experience the best seafood in Fort Smith at AJ's Oyster House - where fresh flavors meet southern hospitality.
21 West End
0.5 km
Savor exquisite flavors and elegant dining at Fort Smith's premier fine dining destination.
Wild Waffles
0.5 km
Discover deliciously creative waffle dishes at Wild Waffles in Fort Smith - where breakfast dreams come true!
Doe's Eat Place
0.6 km
Experience the best steakhouse in Fort Smith at Doe's Eat Place - where flavor meets lively entertainment!
Fort Smith Jazz & Blues Grill
0.7 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue paired with live jazz and blues at Fort Smith Jazz & Blues Grill - a true taste of Arkansas culture.
Emmy's German Restaurant
0.8 km
Discover the authentic flavors of Germany at Emmy's German Restaurant in Fort Smith - where tradition meets taste in every bite!
Taliano’s Italian Restaurant
0.8 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors at Taliano's Italian Restaurant in Fort Smith - where every meal is a celebration of taste.
El Lorito Mexican Restaurant
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico at El Lorito Mexican Restaurant in Fort Smith – where delicious meets affordable.
R & R's Curry Express
1.0 km
Experience authentic North Indian cuisine at R & R's Curry Express in Fort Smith—where every dish tells a flavorful story.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Strange Brew Occult Shop
0.1 km
Explore the mystical realm at Strange Brew Occult Shop, where a world of tarot, crystals, and esoteric knowledge awaits every curious traveler.
Belle Starr Antiques & Vintage Market
0.3 km
Explore a charming vintage market brimming with unique antiques and collectibles in Fort Smith, Arkansas, perfect for every treasure hunter.
Bookish: An Indie Shop for Folks Who Read
0.3 km
Discover the charm of Bookish, Fort Smith's indie bookstore that offers a vast collection, cozy reading spots, and a community for book lovers.
Second Time Around Consignment
0.3 km
Explore Second Time Around Consignment in Fort Smith, AR, where treasure hunting leads to unique finds and unbeatable bargains.
Designer Again
0.3 km
Uncover unique fashion and home decor treasures at Designer Again, a charming consignment shop in Fort Smith, AR.
Timeless Oddities and Curiosities
0.4 km
Explore a whimsical gift shop filled with unique treasures, home goods, and metaphysical supplies in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Olen & Co. Market
0.4 km
Explore Olen & Co. Market in Fort Smith for a unique blend of vintage clothing and antique treasures that captures the essence of nostalgia.
Army Surplus
0.4 km
Explore a treasure trove of authentic military gear at Army Surplus in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A must-visit for military enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Fifth J Vendor Marketplace
0.7 km
Discover unique gifts and vintage treasures at the Fifth J Vendor Marketplace, your go-to spot for eclectic finds in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
1440 Wholesale Fort Smith
0.8 km
Uncover unique treasures at 1440 Wholesale Fort Smith, the ultimate thrift store experience in Arkansas for savvy shoppers.
Habitat For Humanity ReStore
0.9 km
Shop sustainably at the Habitat For Humanity ReStore in Fort Smith, where every purchase helps build homes and community!
Legends Sports Cards & Collectibles
1.4 km
Explore a treasure trove of sports memorabilia at Legends Sports Cards & Collectibles in Fort Smith, AR, where every fan can find their passion.
Through the Years Antique Mall
1.6 km
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Colquitt Bath Co.
2.3 km
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Now & Then Shoppe Inc
2.5 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Amigos Bar and Grill
0.0 km
Discover the savory flavors of American cuisine at Amigos Bar and Grill, a must-visit destination in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Prohibition
0.1 km
Discover the 1920s speakeasy vibe at Prohibition, Fort Smith's premier bar for craft cocktails and live music in an intimate setting.
Old Town Grain & Feed
0.1 km
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Roosters
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Roosters, Fort Smith's go-to bar and night club for drinks, music, and unforgettable memories.
Arlie Muck's
0.2 km
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906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge
0.3 km
Discover the perfect blend of craft cocktails and premium cigars at the 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Tipsy's Pub
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and local charm of Tipsy's Pub in Fort Smith, offering a delightful selection of drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
Hero's
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Hero's in Fort Smith, Arkansas - a welcoming bar known for its affordable drinks and lively atmosphere.
Club Kinkead's
0.4 km
Discover the heart of Fort Smith's nightlife at Club Kinkead's, where great drinks and unforgettable entertainment await every visitor.
Ice House of Fort Smith
0.7 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and local flavor at the Ice House of Fort Smith, a must-visit bar for tourists seeking fun and entertainment.
Shooter's Bar & Grill
1.9 km
Experience the flavors of America at Shooter's Bar & Grill in Fort Smith, where great food meets a fun atmosphere.
Suzie Q's
2.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Suzie Q's, Fort Smith's favorite bar offering great drinks, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Farewell Party Bar
2.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Farewell Party Bar in Fort Smith, where delicious drinks and friendly faces await.
The Knotty Pint
4.6 km
Discover The Knotty Pint, where cozy ambiance meets a vibrant bar scene in Fort Smith, Arkansas, perfect for unwinding and enjoying local music.
Branding Iron
5.0 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and diverse drink menu at the Branding Iron, Fort Smith's top bar for relaxation and entertainment.
