Landmark
Medical Arts Building
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Medical Arts Building is a striking example of Art Deco architecture in Hot Springs, with a cream-colored terra cotta facade and geometric ornamentation. Built in the 1930s, it originally served as a professional building for doctors and dentists, capitalizing on the city's reputation as a health resort. Today, the ground floor features retail stores, a visitor information center, and a small museum about the building's history. The highlight for many visitors is the basement, which contains a natural thermal spring that once fed bathhouses; you can see the warm water flowing through a glass viewing area. The building's interior retains original details like terrazzo floors, brass fixtures, and a vintage elevator. Its location on Central Avenue places it in the heart of the historic district, steps away from Bathhouse Row and the Hot Springs National Park visitor center.
Don't miss
- View the natural thermal spring water flowing in the basement observation window.
- Admire the Art Deco details: geometric patterns, stylized eagles, and the original elevator doors.
- Visit the small museum on the ground floor featuring vintage medical equipment and photographs.
- Stop by the Hot Springs Visitor Center located inside for maps and brochures.
- Browse the specialty shops and art galleries on the ground floor.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Medical Arts Building
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Medical Arts Building with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inHot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour4.5★ · 16 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$15 per personSee dates →
Most bookedSmall-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs4.9★ · 743 travelers~2 hoursFrom$67 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Full-day Cascate del Mulino Hot Springs from Rome4.8★ · 32 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$813 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- The building is open daily, but hours for the museum and visitor center may vary; check with the Hot Springs Visitor Center.
- Photography is allowed inside; the elevator and lobby are popular spots for photos.
- The thermal water in the basement is naturally warm; you can touch it (but do not drink it).
- Combine your visit with shopping on Central Avenue and a tour of Bathhouse Row.
A bit of history
Completed in 1935, the Medical Arts Building was designed by architect Frank W. Gibb. It was one of the first buildings in Hot Springs to offer centralized medical services, with over 50 physician offices, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Common questions
Is the building still used for medical purposes?
No, it now houses retail, a visitor center, and a museum, though some upper floors may have offices.
Can I drink the thermal water?
The water on display is not potable; for drinking, visit the public fountains in Hot Springs National Park.
Are there guided tours of the building?
Self-guided tours are typical; check with the visitor center for any scheduled guided tours.
Is the building haunted?
Some locals claim paranormal activity, but there is no official documentation.
How long does it take to see everything?
Plan for about 30–45 minutes to fully enjoy the exhibits and architecture.
More attractions in Hot Springs
