See the Exhibit in Kerrville

Nestled along the winding Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, Kerrville is a place where imagination meets craftsmanship and innovation still sparks today. From its frontier beginnings to its thriving arts and entrepreneurial spirit, the community has been shaped by bold ideas and creative makers. Historic downtown streets are lined with artisan shops, galleries showcase local and Western art, and a vibrant cultural scene blends tradition with fresh expression. With the arrival of the Spark! Places of Innovation exhibition, Kerrville shares its role as a Hill Country hub where innovation isn’t just remembered—it’s lived every day.

See the exhibit in Kerrville from May 16 through June 28, 2026.

Pictured: A young boy fishing in a Kerrville creek circa 1920

Credit: University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, Private Collection of T. B. Willis

Next Stop: Alpine, TX

The Smithsonian's national traveling exhibit, Spark! Places of Innovation, will be travelling to six small towns spread across Texas.

To catch the exhibit when it's in your neck of the woods, check out other dates and locations by visiting our main exhibit page.

All Tour Dates

Community Host

Hill Country Trail Region

Pictured: Visitors enjoy an art exhibit at the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center

Credit: Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Kerr Arts & Cultural Center is a vibrant hub for creativity in Kerrville, bringing art, community, and imagination together under one roof. Through exhibitions, classes, performances, and events, KACC has long supported artists and inspired lifelong learning across the Hill Country. As the local host for Spark! Places of Innovation, the Center continues its mission of celebrating creativity and sharing stories that show how innovation grows from artistic expression and community connection.

Learn More

Schreiner Institute cadets do exercises in front of the Weir Adminsitration Building in 1924.

Credit: University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, Schreiner University.

The Local Story

Each of the six host communities plan to put their own local spin on the national story with additional exhibits, events, tours, and more.

Kerrville: Small Town with Big Ideas

From its founding, Kerrville and Kerr County has been an area of innovation. When the first settler, Joshua Brown, established a shingle camp on the banks of the Guadalupe, he began a tradition of industry and innovation in Kerr County. Since 1846, Kerr County has been a magnet for industry, innovators, and creatives – those who think outside the box when presented with a problem. Members of the Kerr County Historical Commission, Heart of the Hills Heritage Center, Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau and Kerrville City Council and other organizations have come together to present an exhibit that pays tribute to the innovators – past and present – who have shaped Kerr County and the world around them.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, running through June 28 at Kerr Arts & Cultural Center - where history isn’t just told, it’s experienced.

Photograph shows three unidentified couples seated on a gravel bar in the middle of a river.

Pictured: Three couples enjoy a summer day relaxing on a gravel bar in the Guadalupe River (1915).

Credit: UTSA Libraries Special Collections. Digital Collections. General Photograph Collection.

Plan Your Trip

Expand the items below to find all the information you need to see the national traveling exhibit in Kerrville. While you're there, take advantage of all there is to do! Discover places to stay, dine, and things to do.

Smithsonian in Kerrville

Exhibit Location

The national exhibit can be viewed at Kerr Arts & Cultural Center.

228 Earl Garrett Street
Kerrville, Texas 78028

Kerrville's local exhibit is also located at the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center.

Get Directions

Fee and Hours

The exhibit will be on display from May 16, 2026 to June 28, 2026.

Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays

Fee:
Free of charge

Parking Information

Recommended parking is the Kerrville Parking Garage at 201 Clay Street. It is just a short walk from the parking garage to KACC.

On weekends, parking can also be found at the Kerr County Courthouse.

Street parking is also available along Earl Garrett Street.

Accessible parking is located in the small parking lot along the side of the KACC building. Enter the lot from Main Street (directly across from the Kerr County Courthouse).

Accessibility

The Kerr Arts & Cultural Center is ADA Compliant.

Accessible parking is located in the small parking lot along the side of the KACC building. Enter the lot from Main Street (directly across from the Kerr County Courthouse).

Local Exhibit

While in town to see the Smithsonian's "Spark! Places of Innovation" exhibit, please also visit the local exhibit, "Kerrville: Small Town with Big Ideas".

Kerrville: Small Town with Big Ideas

Kerr Arts & Cultural Center
228 Earl Garrett StreetKerrville, Texas 78028

Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays

Additional Programming

While you're in town to see the exhibit, stay a while longer to enjoy the additional programming. Each week of the tour will feature different themed programming for you to enjoy! For more information on other things to see and do while you're in check out the programs below. Visit kacckerrville.com/smithsonian for updates on programming.

And for even more fun in Kerrville, be sure to check out the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau's website for information on even more things to see and do while you're in town.