CULTURE Arts, History, & Fun

Arts enthusiasts, history buffs, and entertainment aficionados will enjoy the diverse cultural offerings Texarkana provides for its citizens and guests. Whether visiting for a day or coming downtown after the sun sets, there are activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Artspark And Artwall

The ArtsPark, located at the corner of West 4th and Main Street in downtown Texarkana, is a public green space and art park. The center of the landscaped area boasts a timeline of historical events and era-appropriate items that trace the history of Texarkana from the Caddo Indian era, 1000 B.C., up to 2003. Students from area schools selected events from different eras for the timeline. In the front stands a 140-foot mosaic strip created by artist Sheila Keever with the assistance of children participating in TRAHC’s “Color Texarkana” program. The lengthy mosaic depicts recognizable aspects and buildings that are unique to the Twin Cities. The park is a popular space for photographs and picnics.

The ArtWall, TRAHC’s unique outdoor exhibit space, featuring 44 large-scale paintings, changes its exhibits quarterly. The ArtWall curves from the ArtsPark, skips over an alley, and ends on the side of the Regional Arts Center. Area students and nonprofit organizations create the colorful artwork displayed on large weatherproof panels. The ArtsPark project was made possible through generous donations from Alcoa.

DRAUGHON/MOORE ACE OF CLUBS HOUSE

Located at 420 Pine Street, the Ace of Clubs House was built in 1885 by a native Tennessean, James Harris Draughon. The house is in the shape of a club and mimics the playing card form. The Italianate Victorian three-story home has a rectangular wing, three octagonal wings, a 20-foot cupola, and a spiral staircase. The home was only owned by three separate families before being donated to the Texarkana Museums System. Final owner Mrs. Olivia Smith Moore’s vast collection of Neiman Marcus shoes are displayed in the home. Currently closed for renovations, look for them to reopen in 2024. (www.texarkanamuseums.org)

Four States Auto Museum

Located at 217 Laurel Street in Texarkana, Arkansas, this museum preserves our automotive heritage. The museum was founded to preserve, collect, exhibit, operate, and interpret a collection of antique automobiles and auto-related historical artifacts, which includes many documents and photographs. Check the museum’s Facebook page for events.

The Gallery At 1894

The Gallery at 1894 is housed in a National Historic Registered building in downtown Texarkana at 105 Olive Street. With more than 12,000 square feet of art, The Gallery at 1894 represents over 90 artists and authors, most of whom are local. Visitors from all 50 states along with those from many other countries purchase a variety of artistic art forms such as paintings, ceramics, glass, and photography. (www.1894gallery.com)

The Metro

The Metro is industrial-inspired space with 6,000 square feet indoors and a 3,000 square feet courtyard for events. It features rustic metal accents, concrete floors, and exposed brick walls, creating a stylish and modern atmosphere that will impress your guests. (www.themetrotxk.com)

Joseph Raymond Fine Art Gallery

Cabe Hall

The breathtaking Horace C. Cabe Great Hall, located at the Regional Arts Center, is the perfect rental facility for weddings, receptions, reunions, business seminars, press conferences, celebration parties, and other special events! Over 100 years old, the architecture and significant history are irreplaceable. From the historic copper elevator to the golden eagle that once presided in the building’s former life as a federal courthouse, the rich heritage of the building is felt from the moment you walk in the doors.

CROSSTIES EVENT & WEDDING VENUE

Located deep within the heart of downtown Texarkana in the Arkansas Entertainment District sits Crossties Event & Wedding Venue. Originally built in the early 1900s, the venue has been completely restored while keeping its historic charm. A multi-level event venue, Crossties has hosted many weddings, receptions, birthday parties, reunions, and many popular entertainers, including Neal McCoy, Clay Walker, Granger Smith, Buckcherry, and Hinder. (www.crosstiestexarkana.com)

Looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of fine art? Then visit Joseph Raymond Fine Art, located in downtown Texarkana, on East Broad Street. From contemporary statement pieces to modern landscapes, Joseph’s passion is creating custom pieces of art to enhance every client’s desires.

Kress Gap

Beautiful murals grace the walls where the Kress Department Store once stood on Broad Street in downtown Texarkana. Local artists and muralists added their own creative flair to the project, and the Kress Gap has become a very popular backdrop for taking photographs.

Museum Of Regional History

ARTS & HISTORIC DISTRICT WELCOME CENTER

Texarkana’s first museum houses a variety of historical collections depicting the history of the region from the time of the Caddo Indians through the founding of Texarkana and beyond. It is housed in Texarkana’s oldest remaining brick building. Interactive exhibits explore the musical history of the region and tell the story of native son Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime.” The Museum of Regional History is also the home of the Wilbur Smith Research Archive and is located at 219 North State Line Avenue.

The museum also contains the Arts & Historic District Welcome Center where visitors can stop in for a friendly hello, cup of coffee, and information on downtown dining, sites, and activities. (www.texarkanamuseums.org)

P. J. AHERN HOME

The P. J. Ahern Home, located at 403 Laurel Street, Texarkana, Arkansas, is a classical revival-style mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is part of the Texarkana Museums System. Patrick J. Ahern, original owner of the home, owned an early retail dry-goods business and was a full partner in the O’Dwyer and Ahern Dry Goods Store. (www.texarkanamuseums.org)

Perot Theatre

Built in 1924 as the Saenger Amusement Theatre’s “Gateway to

In-person Entertainment