1. Headley-Whitney Museum

    1. Headley-Whitney Museum

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    Lexington, KY

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    Headley-Whitney Museum

    4.4 (9 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    A trademark image of a cardinal by Charlie Harper.
    Joe B.

    As members of the Cincinnati Art Museum we were already familiar with the artwork of Charlie Harper. We were more than delighted to see his artwork and posters in a marvelous collection at the Headley-Whitney Museum. This was certainly the best exhibit they had that we have seen yet. Compliments to the helpful and pleasant staff that made our day special. Do note that although the website is not updated the exhibit has been extended to 6/29/2025. If you are in the area take a peek at this amazing exhibit.

    Shell grotto
    John B.

    They describe themselves as a boutique museum. By that standard, they have an impressive set of offerings. My tour guide's point matches my own experience: that driving through this part of Kentucky yields great views, but since almost all of the land is private farms raising expensive horses, if you are not in the equestrian business you can't really get out of your car and do anything. I was told that one was welcome to wander outside in this museum's grounds without paying the admission fee (paying only if you wanted to go inside and see the bulk of the art), which seems like not a bad idea. Exhibits rotate, but the collection seems very Kentucky, with a heavy dose of horses, splendid local metalworks, and some very detailed miniature mansions. Some of the jewelry that seems to have originated the museum is quite spectacular; unfortunately, one isn't supposed to photograph these things but the whiskers on the stone crayfish were impressive. A separate building houses a "shell grotto", which is just as magical as it sounds and houses shells from all over the world. An outdoor rose garden had taken some damage from recent storms but was still quite pleasant. It was about an hour and a half visit for me at a leisurely pace. Membership is on the expensive side; I'm not sure I'd be in enough times to make it worth it. But to stop in and pay the regular admission was well worth it.

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    2 months ago

    I have visited the museum several times and seen outstanding exhibits. I also thought the shell house and grounds beautiful and unique.

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    Mary Todd Lincoln House

    Mary Todd Lincoln House

    4.6
    (39 reviews)
    6.6 mi

    If you are even remotely interested in American history, presidential families, or powerful women…read moreahead of their time, stop scrolling and just go. The Mary Todd Lincoln House is a beautifully preserved window into the early life of a complex First Lady and the turbulent times she lived through. We opted for the guided tour, and it was absolutely the right choice. Phillip was our guide, and he didn't just recite facts. He gave perspective. Thoughtful, objective, and deeply knowledgeable, he handled the complicated dynamics of a slave-owning border state with grace and clarity. He was also incredibly kind in his portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, helping us see her not as a caricature, but as a layered, resilient, and deeply human figure. Each room is meticulously curated. Not every item was original to the Todd or Lincoln families, but everything was period appropriate and helped tell the story. The artifacts weren't just on display. They became part of the narrative, which made it all the more engaging. What surprised me most was how much the visit made me reflect on grief ... her profound losses, her perseverance, and the emotional weight she carried as First Lady during the Civil War. It gave me a new respect for her. And even better? My wife, who is not a big history buff, was the one who suggested we go, and she loved it. That says a lot. The whole tour ran a little over an hour and was the perfect pace. Despite the unseasonably hot June day, the air conditioning kept us comfortable, and the staff were welcoming from start to finish. Bonus points for the gift shop, it's small, but full of genuinely cool and thoughtful items. Well worth the money. Perfect for history buffs, curious minds, and even the skeptics. Educational, immersive, and honest. This isn't just a house. It is a home full of stories. And thanks to Phillip, we walked out with a deeper understanding of the people and times that shaped a presidency and a nation.

    We wanted to prove to ourselves that we were capable of doing something besides bourbon in…read moreLexington LOL, so we stopped here for a historical fix and were glad we did. For $15 each we could wander through the rooms as long as we didn't touch anything or sit on anything. No guided tour in the morning but there was someone downstairs who cheerily answered our questions. There's a small gift shop. Small but very pretty garden. And everything is nicely air conditioned. Parking lot is small and tight, with overflow parking available next door.

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    Headley-Whitney Museum - museums - Updated July 2026

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