Simply put, Speed Art Museum is great. A wide range of art can be viewed here. To leave yourself plenty of time to look at each exhibit, I recommend allowing at least three hours. I also recommend coming on Sunday when admission is free, though you will still have to pay $7 per person to access the special exhibits on the top floor. The Abstract Expressionism special exhibit I saw was well worth the $7. Next to the museum is a paid parking garage. There's some nice gifts that can be purchased in the museum store. Speed was founded in 1925 by philanthropist Hattie Bishop Speed as a memorial to her husband, James Speed, an art collector. The Speed Museum is the largest art museum in Kentucky and is located next to the University of Louisville campus. Some areas of art on display include 20th and 21st century painting and sculpture, ancient Egyptian, African, ancient Chinese, German, French impressionism, 17th century English architectural designs and 17th century Dutch paintings as well. read more

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This place got it some art in it! Lotsa art. Speed Art Museum seems small, but it contains a lot in a little space. I saw some big names, like Picasso, but it is also a place to find folk artists and local Kentucky and Southern artists. They have all kinds of stuff here. I enjoyed looking at all of the artwork -- paintings, sculptures and such. But my favorite part of Speed Art Museum is Art Sparks, a gallery that's designed for all ages, but especially children. There are lots of hands-on activities in Art Sparks, plus places to sit and read books or just spread out and play. Spaces like this are important to have in art museums, and I'm glad that Speed designated a space just for children. I had a teen and a tween with me during my visit, and we spent a good portion of time in the Art Sparks area. My children do just fine in an art museum, but they're not going to read any of the placards or absorb any of the nuances that surround each art piece. So this interactive area suit them just fine. Random but related: This museum smells amazing! I don't know what kind of candle they have burning here or what kind of fragrance they have piped into the vents, but the ambient scent is so nice. read more

This was the perfect rainy day adventure! A parking structure was located adjacent to the museum with an hourly lot. We paid a military discount with proof of ID and museum maps were digital with just the ease of a scan. Off we went and decided to start above and work our way down. We took our time through the many various sections- I really enjoyed the European art especially the various Dutch artists, the Vanessa Warren exhibit, the Renaissance, and some of the contemporary art. One thing that stood out from many other museums I've visited, was not only a description of the origin of the piece, but also a small story behind it. We really appreciated that! Probably spent around 3 hours or so on our visit. I would give yourself about that much time. The cafe was closed while we were here, and eating or drinking throughout the museum was not allowed. Clean restrooms throughout. They do offer free lightweight fold up stools which is a nice feature, especially if you get tired or just want to spend more time looking at an art piece. They do have a small museum store and I ended up buying the Highlights book of the Speed Museum.. Highlights are my must have at any museum I visit : ) Don't forget to check out the outdoor sculptures! read more

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We spent a wonderful afternoon at Speed Art Museum enjoying the Art in Bloom Event. As you wandered the exceptional art galleries there were displays of flowers intertwined with art. The Art in Bloom weekend is packed with floral programming, including a flower pressing and framing class, plus a flower dyeing. Perfect way for any art enthusiasts to enjoy an afternoon. read more

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The Cat Video Fest was going on so as cat lovers we once again enjoyed the Cat Video Fest. Seeing it on a large screen with others is the best way to view this. Although my tickets were on my phone I accidentally left my phone at home. Fortunately I didn't need my tickets as they already had my reservations online. Watching cats do some silly and hilarious stuff always brings a smile to my face. Remember that 10% of the proceeds go to help neuter and spay alley cats. Even though I was unaware they still have free Sundays to everyone according to the security guard I spoke with. See the video and art at the same time. What could be better? read more

Speed Art Museum - My daughter dressed up for Cat Fest. - Art Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This is an amazing little art museum. The quality of the artwork is superb and they have a variety of mediums and genres to enjoy. read more

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This weekend The Speed had local florist create live floral arrangements to compliment various arts pieces throughout the galleries. It was quite impressive. A friend and I also signed up for a class on pressed flowers. The one hour class included museum entrance, all materials (a press that we filled with live flowers for future use, instructions on how to press flowers in the provided press, a frame to design your own piece of art using the already pressed flowers that were available to us that day, wine and fellowship). It was interesting but by the time I got to choose which flowers I wanted to use for my framed pirce they were already picked over and I didn't feel like I had much to choose from and for the $100 fee that was disappointing. Another disappointment was that for that $100 fee per person we still had to pay for parking. I love The Speed but I'll be more selective in the future with classes offered. read more

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Highly recommend this museum give yourself at least 3 to 4 hours. Wheelchair accessible elevators, available wide open spaces restrooms that are inaccessible I like the layout Went on a Sunday. It was free admission. There is a private parking garage with three levels. I like the different exhibits everything from African mideastern Asian local artist. It was a great variety well displayed. I got to meet two volunteers that really gave a lot of insight on specific paintings. Downstairs there is an actual sensory/lab where you can go and test your knowledge of art and how to look at art in different ways. I really enjoyed that so when I went upstairs, I was able to put things in different perspective. I will be back. read more

Stopped here briefly after having dinner at a nearby restaurant. We enjoyed the outdoor art pieces as we wandered around the open spaces surrounding the museum. read more

Speed Art Museum - Outdoor art installation and open spaces between museum and parking garage - Art Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Super quiet, a reverent atmosphere with a surprisingly large collection as diverse as the centuries and a building will allow. I took the family and we spent several hours exploring and chatting about numerous pieces. Whatever your artistic preference and tastes, you'll find it here. read more

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I lived in NYC for 15 years and in LA for a decade and have been to some of the most famous museums in the world. I am new to Louisville, and this was an incredibly impressive museum. The architecture is beautiful and the artwork refreshing, especially the G.C. Coxe exhibit, which was my favorite. We got to visit the est. 1927 by Marigold Cafe, which serves food until 3p every day except Mon & Tues, and enjoyed an iced Americano with cold foam and the banana pudding brûlée Elvis-style. They have savory items on the menu as well, so we will be returning to try more. Surprisingly, we also loved the gift shop. So many unique and fun items. I normally don't find much at those kinds of shops but I had to restrain myself from buying too much. Sundays from 12-5p are currently free at the museum, though I believe some of the exhibits aren't available to visit during that timeframe. However, we are excited to come back to check out the Cinema -- they've got a Cat Video Fest scheduled for early August 2025, and that cannot be missed! read more

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The museum was very organized and classic. They had a lot of nice peaces and old artifacts. It was very accessible with chairs, elevators, and books all over for kids. I liked the interactive sections with things to draw and play. They had a very small gift shop with limited things. The employ's were nice and helpful. I would recommend. read more

Speed Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This is an amazing museum full of cool pieces from all over the world. I spent about an hour here after a business trip and I wish I would have had a lot more time it was really an amazing place to check out all of the art if you're into art or even just a couple of the different themes they have at any current time I would definitely recommend them as a very nice well curated place to check out art. read more

Speed Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

As soon as I entered, I felt excited. My mother--ever the critic--was pleasantly surprised too. The museum has a great mix of historical and contemporary art. We saw the Infinity Room by Yayoi Kusama, and the 90-second timed experience really added something special to it. To limit the time you have in a place called the Infinity Room was immersive and thought-provoking in a way I wasn't expecting. We also stumbled upon the animated movie series in the cinema. I had no idea the museum had such a solid cinema program, so that was a cool find. I didn't get a chance to check out the cafe, but I did learn that Sundays offer free admission, which means I'll definitely be back regularly. It was great to see kids enjoying the museum too, especially hearing their excited "ooohs" and "aaahs" as they entered each room. Free admissions on Sunday is a great way to make art accessible for everyone. A value that's important to me and apparently important to the Speed. Love it. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the layout is easy to navigate--everything feels beautifully curated and welcoming. read more

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The Speed continues to be Louisville's top-notch art museum, consistently bringing in rotating exhibits and planning monthly events to appeal to all ages. View their website for details and follow their social networks. Social is my favorite because the team brings in fantastic humor to their posts. Art can be fun! Art Sparks is specifically designed for the younger children. After Hours events are more fun for adults. They also have a theater for movie screenings. It is comfortable and doesn't contain a bad seat. There's a separate entrance if you only have plans for a show. If you want to visit for the gift shop only it does not require paid admission. Parking garage is available. Payment can be made upon leaving and is based on time spent. read more

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Such a neat place and their events are really cool. Their movie theater is quaint. Recommend going there for something to do on a date night. read more

Some of Louisville's best people are at the helm of this beautiful museum. We've been members for about five years now and we really feel like it's worth it. Curators regularly bring terrific traveling exhibitions, and if we manage to tour the collections every three or four months, we're guaranteed to see something new and captivating. Louisville may lack the population base and the deep pockets that accompany the really big art museums around the country, but they absolutely meet the needs of this community, and without Sackler money. I appreciate that they can showcase a Rodin or Degas, while pulling in a jaw-dropping Mucha show, but at the same time they will put together an installation of local artist Sam Gilliam or an exhibition featuring Amy Sherald's Breonna Taylor painting with installation-specific pieces contributed by local artists. And possibly my favorite thing about the Speed is the cinema, which makes great films - especially contemporary ones - accessible to a community that really was lacking them. There is nothing stuffy about our Speed, and I'm grateful for it. read more

Enjoy the cinema. Have seen several movies plus art exhibits. Convenient location and parking garage.

Visited this amazing museum on Sunday, 4/16/23. My daughter and I had been talking about wanting to venture here and she saw it was free on Sunday. So she, my grandchildren, and I all went. Upon arrival the staff was very helpful and advised us every Sunday admission is free, not just on this particular Sunday. The caveat is that with the free admission you are excluded from seeing the Special Exhibits on the third floor. Trust me, there is plenty to see on the first and second floors. The first floor has a children's interactive area that is amazing and my grandchildren found it so interesting they did not want to leave. There is one entire exhibit section dedicated to the history of Kentucky and I was blown away by what I saw and learned. A wide variety of exhibits welcomes you to explore their treasures. The museum also has the Wiltshire Pantry offering refreshments on the main floor. It was a great time! read more

Speed Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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The speed art museum it's a wonderful place to enjoy and immerse yourself in art and culture. Every time I go there I leave feeling better. I recommend it 100% for special movies premiers or exhibits. read more

I love this place! I went on a weekend, when it was pretty popular. Despite this fact the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Very open minded, and not the least bit pretentious. The kids lab was as much fun for me as it was for my guest. She is an adult with autism, and was treated well by staff. She enjoyed the entire museum! I would return indeed! read more

I am embarrassed to admit that it took me several years after moving to Louisville to visit the museum. Louisville has a real treasure in this museum. There is truly something in the museum for everyone; photography, sculpture, paintings, carvings, colonial crafts, and more. There are permanent as well as rotating exhibits, meaning that one can see something new with each visit. I was impressed by the curation and display of the exhibits. There was just the right amount of reading to describe pieces without it feeling overwhelming. There is a theater for films, and a beautiful interactive space (Art Sparks) for children that is obviously designed to facilitate an appreciation for art in various forms. I was particularly intrigued by bone carvings made by Union prisoners of war when they were held in the Virginia Libby Prison. The intricacy and precision of the carvings on such small pieces was amazing considering that they were carved by hand. The entire facility was clean and spotless, including the restrooms. There is a small cafe with delicious offerings by a local catering company. The prices are extremely reasonable! Parking is available on side streets and also in a parking garage across the street from the museum. read more

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While the art museum charges substantially for admission, there are ways around it, not just being a student. At least for now, frontline healthcare workers like me are also waved in. I suspect that most of the people who go here do not pay. The gallery is large, covering a couple of buildings and housing an impressive variety of forms, a wide range of topics, and a local focus as well. The complex also has some educational exhibits, a theater showing the occasional artsy movie, and an event space. Some things were a little cringe, but much of the gallery was excellent. Not sure I'd want to pay to enter for the hour or so I spent there, but if you can get in without doing that, you'll likely be impressed. read more

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What an exciting art spot. Always special exhibits and events to explore. And the permanent exhibits are nothing to sneeze at either. As far as art museums go, I would rank this one rather highly. I love the wide open spaces and the expert lighting enhancing the art display. Not being an art expert by any means, I just tend to wander around and delight in the visuals. Some things I like, some I don't, no rhyme or reason, I just like looking at cool stuff. This place is perfect for roaming around. So much to discover. You may want to look around the outside grounds too, as there is more art strewn about. And the staff is super friendly. The small giftshop has quite interesting merchandise and there is a small cafe with delicious offerings. Parking is not a problem with the attached parking garage. read more

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Museums are places to enjoy art, they define the communities they serve. The Speed Art Museum is a true example of community representation. We have visited several times and have seen different exhibits in addition to their permanent collections. Their exhibits are flawlessly curated and beautifully displayed. The last time we went we saw the Paranormal in America exhibit and it was comprehensive, interesting, gripping, and informational. There is always something to be learned and no better way to do it than through art. Looking forward to our next visit. read more

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I came to Louisville specifically to see the Alphonse Mucha show at the Speed. I am so glad that I was able to make it to this exhibit. When I lived in the Czech Republic, I always wanted to go to the Alphonse Mucha museum, but was never able to, so the Speed helped me to finally see his work in person! The show was curated very well. A lovely museum and a great show! read more

Sunday I went to go see the Yayoi Kusama art installation and loved it. Im excited that Louisville is getting artists like this to lend us their work, and not just for tourism! The exhibition was beautiful, I'm going again before it leaves next year! read more

Speed Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Had a wonderful time. Wish we would've came earlier to explore every section. This museum is pretty grand. 3 levels of European, African, modern, contemporary art, and then some. We really got lost in the stories and ideas of the pieces were we able to see today. If you're an art lover like me and mine, definitely check this place out. It's free on Sundays excluding any exclusives exhibits they're featuring. read more

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I have been to the Speed Art Museum many times over the years and it is always a great experience. The museum is very large and there is a lot to see. Located in the middle of UofL's campus there is some free street parking if you are willing to walk a little and meter parking nearby. If you don't have change for the meter there is the Go502 app where you can pay from your phone! The staff is always friendly and you can visit for free on Sunday! The building itself is beautiful and has an artistic design. There are many different exhibits to see and they change every so often. There is also a kid's interactive area in the basement! The gift shop is full of fun gift options as well! read more

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The Speed Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the state. It includes a cinema, a family interactive area, cafe, and a large exhibition space. The collection is outstanding. Anyone can visit the Speed for free on Sundays though 2024 because of a donation from Brown-Forman. We ran out of time today and didn't get to do Art Sparks (the interactive gallery for all ages), but we're looking forward to going back. I appreciate that I'm able to give my children exposure to art of this caliber at no cost. It's a great opportunity. I know the exhibitions change over time, but today they had two Monet's and I was excited about sharing this experience with my family. read more

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When I first started attending U of L, I wanted to go to the Speed so bad. I had a "Kentucky Bucket List" book that first taught me about this museum, and that it should be on my list of things to do in this state. However, this was during their renovation period, so I had to wait about a year until I was actually able to visit. Well, it was definitely worth the wait! I really, really regret not coming here when I was still a student. I would've came all the time. But I'm finally glad I made it in to check it out, because it's freakin' awesome. It's also HUGE. There are all kinds of exhibits to explore!! Not to mention there is also a nice restaurant inside. Everything is organized so nice. I'm not sure how often they change up the artwork, but during my visit I saw a collection of glass pieces, renaissance paintings, and an entire exhibit dedicated to Kentucky. They also have a large room downstairs with interactive activities, which seems to be geared towards kiddos. The is without a doubt the best museum in town to see some stunning artwork. Also, if you come on Sundays it's free!! read more

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Great museum! The last time I was here was 8 years ago and they hadn't done the renovations yet. Beautiful! Pleasing to the eye for all those who love architecture. It's free for UofL students, but since I'm in graduate school (out of state), I still got a discount. $12 for admission! There's a lot to see! Modern art, classic stuff, historical pieces, etc. We spent almost 2 hours here! They've got lots of stairs and elevators. I saw a lot of people my grandparents age, but I also saw families. It was close to 1:30 ish on a Saturday. School is not in session so I wonder if I would've seen younger people here if it wasn't winter break. They've got bathrooms and water fountains all over so I thought that was great! Gender neutral options as well if need be! You can take pictures too as long as you don't use a flash. It wasn't overly busy though which was nice. They've got a garage right next to it! We paid only $5! But if you live on or near campus, this is something to take advantage of. I'd love to come back again! It's pretty cool! There's a cafe in here if you get hungry and stuff for children if you take the stairs going down from there. read more

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After 6 months of staying home for the most part during COVID, decided to take my parents for an outing today. It felt good to get dressed up and head to the museum to check out the Andy Warhol exhibit. Also, I have been wanting to visit the Speed since they re-opened, so this was long overdue! All safety measures were in place for COVID, and everything was sanitized and touchless. I felt very comfortable while visiting. The staff did an excellent job to keep things clean and keep everyone safe. The exhibits were amazing and I saw some old favorites that I remembered seeing in the 80s when I went to U of L, along with lots of new acquisitions. I especially loved the new glass exhibit and immediately recognized the Stephen Powell piece as I walked up the steps toward it. It was an amazing day! read more

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I've been to the Speed dozens of times but I've stopped myself from writing a review. The reason being is because I was going to give it a solid three stars and nothing more. I assume that giving it a rating like that would've brought judgment which is fine. After my last visit, I think the Speed has solidified itself as a 3.5-4 museum. I like it but I don't love it. Even typing out this review makes me want to revert to three stars. There special events and exhibits save it though. One of the first visits that I thoroughly enjoyed was quite a few years ago when they had a Da Vinci exhibit there. It was awesome seeing his notebook. That exhibit still sticks out to me. The last (and current) exhibit I went for was 'Picasso to Pollock' and it was another good one. The theater is also another nice perk. They show a lot of the films I want to see that aren't available in your normal movie theater... Most notable was Loving Vincent. I was so happy that they had that film. Parking is also easy. You can park in the garage for a fee or you can find a place on a nearby street and walk(which is the preferred option for me). They also let you in at a discount on Sundays. The after-hours concerts they've started is another cool thing. I'm glad there are at least a few draws to the Speed for me because I always feel like an outcast when people recommend it. When people ask about a museum to visit, I always send them to 21c, the Frazier, the KMAC, or somewhere else. The regular everyday exhibits feel lackluster to me. I despise the floor with all the Kentucky stuff on it. The other wings might have one painting per room that I like or would hang in my home. Everything else is just meh. I hate to say that about any museum and maybe it's because I've been to so many better art museums. I just can't get behind this museum the way most other people in the community does. In closing, go here for the special exhibits they have if they sound interesting to you. Most of the regular stuff can be skipped. read more

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'Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism' is a robust exhibition. There are a number of artists represented here that I've never seen in American museums. The themes and images run the gamut and I found a number of individual works truly fascinating. At the same time, it's also a bit sad. It's a reminder of how women (and too many other groups, frankly) have been underrepresented in the male-dominated art world. That's what makes this exhibition, in my opinion, a must-see for its breadth. read more

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What an exquisite place to visit located off 3rd street next to the U of L campus in downtown Louisville. Sundays are free admission; but my wife and I were so impressed we purchased a year's membership. Ample parking on 3rd street and in a nearby garage. The Speed Art Museum truly represents Kentucky through the historical ages in addition to many other exhibits featuring both local (quilting) international (African) treasures. The gallery is immense and your time spent there depends on how carefully you read the documentation associated with each piece. Due to my love of antiques, I was particularly enamored with the 16th century parlor exhibit. The walls were actually transported by freighter from England and reassembled in the Speed Museum. The intricate carvings (see photos) are incredibly detailed with some approaching the macabre. Another exhibit we enjoyed what that of Kentucky borne Enid Yandell. Her pieces were so life-like that they actually seem to talk to the viewer. Perhaps the most interesting pieces in the museum were napkin rings carved and embossed from animal soup bones. These were done in 1863 by a Union soldier held during the Civil War in Libby Prison, Virginia. The Speed Museum features many works that are permanent exhibits; however, several rotate in and out over the course of a year. In a few months we will re-visit and see what's new in addition to noticing things we missed the first pass. BTW: grab lunch or dinner at the Wiltshire Grill inside the museum. read more

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We went specially for "Tales From the Turf: The Kentucky Horse." The exhibit was well thought out, the art definitely added to the story of the thoroughbred horse. I would have liked to have seen more from women and the black community. There are some pieces, but not nearly enough in my opinion. For a smaller museum, Speed has many large exhibits, including Andy Warhol, Hunter S. Thompson, Picasso, and multiple southern artists. This is a progressive southern museum with an impressive permanent collection, and exciting traveling exhibits. Worth a stop. read more

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I have a wee bit of an obsession with museums and I feel so at home in them that the layout of my condo is divided into various types of museums (or if you're a true fan of the aesthetic, we'll call them modern day Kunstkammers), with my living room having a natural history and science museum aesthetic,my dining room resembles a mini contemporary art museum, and so on and so on, but without the prestige or finances to, well, be quite as impressive as an "actual" museum. That's okay though, bc luckily there are so many exciting museums to check out in this world and so many carefully curated curiosities for one to discover if you let your curiosity be your guide when journeying upon a memorable museum outing ride. I am a bit ashamed to admit that today was my first day checking.oit the Speed Museum. Not sure what took me so long, but a friend and I were intrigued enough to go straight there after hearing about the current Isabelle de Borchgrave: Fashioning Art from Paper exhibit. I love any art that uses the trompe l'oeil technique (translates from French to mean something like "to fool the eye") and I was super impressed with the garments chosen to entice you to go to the exhibit, which looked like beautiful Victorian dresses...but we're all made of paper. My friend is really into sewing and I'm really into fashion (and, duh,museums), so we both jumped for joy at the thought of such a cool opportunity just a few miles away from my place. This particular exhibit is AMAZING by the way and it's unbelievable that such outstanding pieces covering multiple times periods, cultures, and representations of identities and personalities within a single space. And the shoes! I still have trouble believing those were fashioned from paper. The contestants on Project Runway could learn a thing or two from this exhibit to prepare for each seasons "Unconventional Challenge" for sure. But this museum would still be more than worth it to go to even if that fantastic exhibit wasn't currently on display. The museum is actually a lot larger and more thoughtfully curated than I imagined it would be. There is definitely something for everyone here and I'm super psyched about the fact that you are openly encouraged to take pictures (tho without the flash on of course, some of these masterpieces have lasted for centuries and hopefully will for centuries more). Along with the exhibits, there is a museum store that may be small in size, but is big on products of good quality. I got a magnetic finger puppet (I collect these, bc, another passion of mine happens to be all things puppetry). I got a printmaking kit as well that I know I will have fun with tonight, tho I know that comparing anything that I make from it will likely be cool, bit not stack up to anything nearing the beauty of the objects on display at the Speed. There are also local artist and artisan products which is pretty cool, but puppets were by far my top priority and along with the printmaking kit, well, I just didn't have the funds for all the cool things I wanted currently. There is also usually a hands-on section of the museum currently closed due to the Vid. It's totally understandable, but I would have loved to have Ben able to create instead of just see the power of art and imagination in front of me. Maybe it will be open soon though, not that I should worry, bc clearly I will be coming back to this lovely establishment. It also has a cinema attached to it and holds lecture series that I'm sure I'll easily find one that peaks my interest soon and will return for such knowledge and intrigue some night not too far from now would be my guess to see. This place is definitely worth checking out and you likely will find yourself enjoying the thoughtful and magnificent items on display as well as their magical feeling you get being up close and personal (but no touching please!) to true, pure, unadulterated beauty. Will most def be back and might even become a member! read more

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What a gem! Glad I had the chance to visit this beautiful museum. Enjoyed the exhibits and was blown away by the amount of items in the collection. From antiquity to Kentucky folk art. It's all here! read more

Speed Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

After constantly seeing Art after Dark advertised on Facebook, I knew I had to make my way to the Speed Art Museum. If you get a chance to go to one of these events - RUN, don't walk! It was such a fun event! Live music, aerialists, and a murder mystery all took place. After joining the guide for the murder mystery, I took the time to explore the museum on my own. The stained glass and tapestries literally took my breath away. I loved the Kentucky area and the furniture pieces. I can't wait to go back and see what catches my eye the next time! read more

Speed Art Museum - Attending Art after Dark - Art Museums Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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