This museum was absolutely magnificent. Paducah was a stop on our American Cruise Line Mississippi River cruise and I wasn't sure what we were going to do here but after visiting multiple museums in the area, this was our last stop. I was absolutely mesmerized by all the beautiful quilts. There were a few featured artists and their work was absolutely amazing. They have everythng displayed so beautifully and because it was not too busy, there is a certain comfort level here. I saw incredible patterns, colors, stitching and in some cases, mixed media. I have never really paid much attention to this art form and found out just what I was missing. I have some pictures of the overall quilt then close up where you can see the incredible stitch-work. When you come, make sure you visit view the "wood quilt." I could not believe what I was looking at and they have a small sample that you can actually pick up and view. They explained that during their annual show / convention they have upwards of 30,000 people visiting this museum. Quite the feat in a town that has a population of 26,700+. Their gift shop / supply store also seemed pretty robust and I'm sure that many people get their hard-to-find supplies from here. I could not recommend this museum enough for a visit. I am confident that you too will walk out in awe of the amazing work here. KUDOs to the amazing team who curate, represent and volunteer their time at the The National Quilt Museum. read more

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Wow!! This work here is breathtaking. I was amazed. They also have an outstanding gift shop. read more

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When deciding to visit Paducah on a recent weekend my wife was doing some research into things to do. I was surprised to find not only that the National Quilt Museum was located there, but that there was a National Quilt Museum at all. My wife does a lot of quilting so the decision to go was easy. The grounds of the National Quilt Museum are gorgeous and well kept. There's a large what I'm suddenly going to call a Grand Lawn with sidewalks and some statuary. Ticket are $15, but they do offer military/veteran discounts as well as students and seniors. The interior of the lobby is spacious with the check-in desk directly in front of you, gift shop to the left, restrooms to the right, and the entrance into the exhibit area dead ahead. By the restrooms you'll find the elusive wooden quilt. Yes, a wooden quilt. And it is bee-yoo-ti-ful. Once in the main exhibit hall you're amongst probably close to 100 quilts. To be honest, I had no idea how many types of quilts there were, so this was an education for me. The level of detail, craftsmanship, creativity, and ingenuity that went into some of these quilts is absolutely astounding. From a distance it may look like a photograph of, say, a tree, but when you get closer the details start to emerge. Some of them were absolutely awe-inspiring. Our visit, in total, came out to a little over an hour. Wifey was in her element so I wasn't going to rush her as the looked at each quilt, admiring the time and effort each one took. There were a couple docents who walk around answering questions and insight, where possible. Some of the quilts could be purchased...and I don't mean if you're on any kind of budget. One such quilt was sold for over $30,000. That's right and not a typo The gift shop is well-sized to the museum. It's well lit and has A LOT of craft/quilt items, bobbles, and trinkets. Pricing was very reasonable. I have to admit, I was surprise by this museum. I expected to be bored and wanted to get out, but I found myself interested and educated. read more

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Just WOW! Please enter and pause a moment to take a peek, perhaps a wider glance, maybe a stare or an oogle, and then slowly take the time to look even more closely. Let the patterns, the colors, the sizes, the sometimes dramatic and hypnotic illusions and sense of motion draw you into the myriad of creations all wrought by creative minds and exquisitely skilled crafters. I have taught fine arts, crafts, and art "appreciation" most of my adult life.....and, I've created works using similar materials as well as others. BUT...I never have achieved the high degree of artistic elegance I found in these works during my visit to The National Quilt Museum. The scope - from miniature to room-filling examples of quilted (stitch by stitch by stitch) masterpieces to me is simply astounding. The untold hours of planning, design and execution of these works of immeasurable creativity do more than impress. They draw you into the realm of the artists/crafters, exposing both imaginary and real worlds of tones and hues and patterns and scenes. It is somewhat of a disservice to not name all the artists represented during my visit, but feel I must mention the featured artist Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry ("50 Years of Art Quilts" retrospective). Astounding hardly describes her work. The art genuinely brought light and life to my eyes and lasting joy to my heart. Note: I apologize to each artist represented for not specifically identifying them by their work in my photos. Mea Culpa read more

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Heck yes! An art museum dedicated to quilts. If you know, you know. And if you don't already know the artistry of quilting, you will after you visit. The range of technique, style and size is amazing. My only suggestion is to expand the building so that more can be on display at the same time. read more

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Fantastic colors. Viewable art. Peaceful surroundings (Visited Autumn of 2023). I loved wandering through the well set-up exhibits. I have a passion for creating, so it was enjoyable to share this joy with others. The location was phenomenal for seeing the town of Paducah and eating at a restaurant after. I enjoyed being inspired and surrounding myself with such works of art. read more

This is an amazing collection of quilts. They own about 700 quilts and display 10% of them at all times... About 70 quilts rotate.. I am a quilter and was in awe of the talent and skills on display. Even my husband, who is not a quilter absolutely loved going there. The building itself is impressive and sits on a beautiful piece of landscaped grounds. When you walk in, you are greeted by the most friendly people and then inside there are docents who will explain what you're looking at. You can bring up with your phone, a more detailed description of the quilt and the quilter. Otherwise, there is a brief description by each quilt. The gift shop is filled with interesting quilt related purchases that are pretty reasonably priced. The entry fee to get in was only $13 each (we had a senior discount). All in all, it was so worth spending the extra day and Paducah. read more

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We stop here EVERY TIME we go through this area. There are changing exhibits quarterly. This is an amazing place. Come and enjoy the beauty of American Quilts. read more

We enjoyed our visit here but I think it is a bit expensive for what you see. I'd guess there are 20-25 quilts on display. I think these are rotated. There are also 2 small galleries with current exhibits. I think we only spent maybe 20 minutes here. The quilts were great, and most very beautiful but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to visit. read more

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This is still one of my favorite museums to visit anywhere because of the quality of their exhibits, the friendliness of the people who work and volunteer, and the Museum's proximity to downtown Paducah which is a pleasant stroll a few blocks away. Just a friendly reminder that this is really an institution featuring the beauty and diversity of quilts. You won't find Amish quilts here nor see "how to" or the history of quilt-making. Think of it as an art museum of quilts...with artistry that will astound you. read more

As others have stated, one needn't be a quilter to be completely enthusiastic about the exhibits of quilts. Very impressive pieces! The exhibits change--which means you will want to return another time in the future. read more

This isn't your grandmas quilt! (Ok maybe for some) I am not a quilter... I appreciate the time and effort of the craft. I've been to Amish quilt shops, but THIS is an art. These quilts BLEW MY MIND. From far away you think it's a painting, maybe a photo and up close you see the endless detail. The museum did a fantastic job of telling the story of each quilt. And there were QR codes to bring up more information on the artist/piece. It was a great visit! read more

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Some truly great quilting exhibits. Some even with interactive opportunities. Nice docents who were quite knowledgeable. I did not feel like the displays were especially 'national' in nature but they were interesting, amazingly artistic and well worth the admission. read more

Great museum. The exhibits are so enjoyable and the artistry on the quilts is incredible. Fair price for admission. They have this exhibit where the artist pants the fabric to look like rock and then turns it into a quilt. The detail is stunning. My heart ached to view the 9/11 quilt display - a giant quilt with all the victims names. This is a must see! read more

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I was pleasantly surprised and all I could say was oh, wow. I'd like to say I can sew, but this was like seeing the champions example. Love the NASA exhibit. read more

The National Quilt Museum - To commemorate NASA's history. - Museums Near Me - Paducah, Kentucky

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So I'm not into quilts, but I see it as a creative art for certain demographics. The National Quilt Museum is more like an art museum, and no that's not a bad thing! There's a lot awaiting the guest as they go into the large rooms full of quilts. The lady at the desk was very friendly and helpful. She answered many of my questions. One of them is men actually quilt! That's unheard of, for me at least. The museum has several special events held at the place at all times of the year, even having people from different parts of the world doing demonstrations and programs. They even have a program for children in which they encourage anyone under the age of 18 to get creative with quilting. As for the museum part, there are several pieces of quilt art as well as background information about the artist and their commentary and what inspired them. One thing I wasn't aware of is miniature quilts are becoming very popular and more interesting. The museum even has a quilt made of wood! No joke. No touching and no pictures, for the right reasons. read more

The National Quilt Museum - From the Native Americans statue - Museums Near Me - Paducah, Kentucky

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We visited the "museum" in April of this year because we wanted to during the national quilt show. By no stretch of the imagination is this a museum showcasing quilting history. It is more like an art gallery. If that's what you're looking for fine, but we expected more of a historical museum. Would not recommend. If you actually wanted to see history, a better example would be the Wisconsin Quilting Museum in Cedarburg. read more

What an incredible exhibit! The detail that goes into these quilts is truly amazing. When we viewed the pictures we took they looked like paintings instead of quilts. Well worth the visit. And Paducah is a wonderful town! The people are so friendly! Make this a planned stop for your next adventure! read more

I am not a quilter; my wife is. I heard so much about this museum that I elected to try it. I was not sorry. It really is more than just quilting examples, some of these quilts are more works of art that happen to use quilting as a medium of expression. It isn't huge but the selection is diverse and all are worthy of your time and energy to look at them. The wood quilt really took me off-guard. I couldn't figure out what was wood. Check it out; you will see what I mean. We were on a paddle-wheel cruise so our admission was free, sort of. But I think I would still be happy had I paid the full admission fee. I recommend it, even for guys. read more

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Every visit to this museum is wonderful! This is our fourth? Fifth? time to come here and it always makes our trip. We add in the time to swing by anytime we are near Kentucky because the rotating exhibits means there is always something new and the way the exhibits are curated means there is always a variety of techniques and new art to inspire you. Even if you are not a quilter or a fiber artist, this museum is amazing and well worth your time. read more

My wife and I visited this past Saturday. We made the trip from Scott AFB in Illinois, about 2 hours at the ridiculous deserted highway speeds along 64E, 59S and 24E. We saw police even, let's call them "disinterested" at best, asleep likely. I'm not saying you can drive like a maniac along that route...people [tractor trailers 80mph, passenger trucks 85mph] just do. "A rose by any other name..." I am hard pressed to accept the title of museum for this very enjoyable gallery. It's the Gallery of -Modern-Quilting, which is okay. I brought my wife, an avid quilter, just because I love her, expecting that I would suffer through like she does football games. However, just like she does now, I secretly enjoyed myself. I was awed by the artwork, the talent, the lovely pieces of textile art on display. The main items on display are all modern versions of quilts, some are practically cloth paintings. We were there during the Kansas City Star exhibition (they rotate), I actually enjoyed those a bit more overall, more "historic". The staff is knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant. You definitely get your money's worth, $12 per adult. You can take pictures now, just no flash. read more

" Amazing Works Of Art " We visited the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY and saw some beautiful and detailed Quilts that you can find nowhere else in the United States. When you are in Paducah, Ky this Quilt museum is a must see. As you walk around and look at the Quilts, you have no idea how many hours each one of these Quilts took to create an then finish. They even have a wood quilt. They also had a display of Quilts made by Children in the Museum. This 25+ year Museum has many Quilt collections which are traveling around the United States come in for weeks or months for people to see. read more

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Had a wonderful time here. Visiting was #6 on my wife's bucket list. She is a great quilter but the quilts on display are AMAZING. The staff, Robert, Donna, Ruth, and Lori were super friendly and soooooo knowledgable. read more

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Okay, so I won't lie. I'm decidedly not a quilter. And I just thought that going to this museum would be kitschy and fun. And it was. But I also left very impressed by a lot of the quilts inside! I respected their request not to take pictures, which was hard for me - because I wish I had been able to record several of the quilts that kind of blew my mind! There's also a "wood quilt" made by an artist who carves quilts out of wood and then paints them - and I swear I didn't know it was wood until I got really, really, really up close. It's incredible! (They also have a sample that you can pick up and hold to feel the weight and carvings of the wood!) Well worth a quick stop if you're ever in Paducah! read more

The National Quilt Museum - Museums Near Me - Paducah, Kentucky

I had out of town family members visiting this weekend and I wanted to take them to the National Quilt Museum in Paducah. My cousin, Denise and our dear friend Debbie have never had a chance to visit Paducah and I really wanted to share with them some of Paducah crown jewel tourist spots! Our first stop was, of course, the Quilt museum. When we walked up to the front desk Lonnie Peck, volunteer coordinator, explained that there was no charge for first responders which was a very pleasant surprise for us because both Denise and Debbie are nurses. Also, Lonnie pointed out down the hall that the staff had their own private showing of small quilts. After a quick trip to the gift shop we made it into the main display room. You don't have to be a quilter to appreciate the beauty, message and the detail of these pieces of art. Whether you live in Paducah or just visiting I highly recommend stopping in and walking through this museum!! read more

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I am not a quilter. But I love art. I was stunned by the pieces in this museum. I went because my wife dragged me in. She had to drag me out. read more

I almost passed this one up but so glad I didn't. We only had a few extra hours in Paducah so my husband elected to walk the dog around the downtown (which he enjoyed) and I visited the museum. I've only made one quilt in my life but have always wanted to get back into it. After visiting this museum, I will get back into quilting. This museum is amazing and unique. I expected a lot of Amish Quilts (as I grew up in Amish country and am familiar with it). But this is so much more. A lot of modern quilts and quilts made by people all over the world. There were several exhibits: New Quilts from An Old Favorite 2022: Shakespeare and Australia Wide 7. I was in awe. The main items were equally impressive. The museum was nicely laid out. The docent helpful and other staff members friendly and helpful. It is incredible how quilts are so painstakingly made. read more

If you are in the area or like different types of quilts you may enjoy this. It was very unusual types of quilts, some are painted some are different shapes and there are actually ones made of wood. These are not your typical type of quilts at all. read more

Wonderful collection of contemporary quilts in a variety of styles, from fairly traditional to works that you can't imagine are made of fabric. All are exquisitely produced. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the building itself is beautiful, and the gift shop is well stocked with quilt-related items at reasonable prices. Quilters and non-quilters will love it. read more

This 25-year-old museum will open your eyes about the art of quilting. It contains many examples of contemporary quilts that are works of art. While it's weak on traditional American quilts, it has stunning displays of modern quilts from all over the world. You won't believe the "wooden quilt." The stained glass windows, based on quilt patterns, also are amazing. This museum in the historical downtown area of Paducah is well worth the $11 admission. However, I do have a couple of bones to pick: The museum does not allow photography of any kind. While I can understand that flash photography can harm valuable works of art, an increasing number of museums and galleries now permit personal non-flash photography. The museum staff claimed that the prohibition against photography was to protect the copyrights of the quilt designers. As the author of 25 books, I do appreciate the argument for protecting intellectual property and individual copyrights. But the museum staff's argument is upended by the fact that the museum sells a book of photographs of most of the museum's active collection. This museum just wants to make money from selling photos of its own and is behind the times in its photography policies. I also don't believe the claim that the museum makes on its signage that it is the "largest fiber arts museum in the world." I know of several quilt and other fabric and fiber museums in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world that are larger in terms of number of items and by other measures. read more

I was expecting to walk through an exhibit of Grandma's quilts. I was truly amazed to find nearly a hundred unique works of intricately crafted pieces of art. These quilts, stained glass pieces and other sculptures are so painstakingly created, you will find yourself spending more than an hour carefully studying the stitching, embroidery and appliqué of these beautiful quilts. Don't miss this wonderful museum! read more

This place has amazing art!! You do not need to be a quilter to appreciate the talent snd beauty represented here!

I'm not a quilter, but I admire and love them very much. My friends who are avid quilters told me I had to come and see this museum ...esp since I was here for work! I am so glad I came and got to see all those beautiful quilts! I wish I could have taken pictures of all of them, but pictures are not allowed! :/ the detail in all of them....incredible. So incredible. words can't describe how beautiful it all was read more

Super cool. You will be amazed. It is also much more than quilts. I wouldn't miss this

I was at the Quilt Museum a number of years ago and had often wanted to return. I am a small-time quilt collector and am interested in them. I was there again recently and it was even better than I had remembered. My quilts are all old ones and the Museum has only contemporary quilts. The permanent collection is mostly made up of winners from the annual quilters event held in Paducah each spring. There is also one in the fall now, as the crowds were becoming just too big for the town. In addition to the permanent collection, there are spaces available for traveling exhibits and there were two of them the day we visited. The cost is $10 each for seniors with an additional charge for guided tours. which we opted to not do. As soon as we entered the display are, we met Linda, a knowledgeable volunteer, who was eager to show us some of the quilts. She showed us many of the techniques used by these advanced fiber artists and helped elevate our tour to a educational event. Each quilt is well labeled and tells a bit about the artist's vision and technique. As mentioned in other reviews, photos are not allowed. Hours change a bit in the winter. I recommend a visit for people even mildly interested in quilts, crafts, uses of color, or fiber art. It will open your eyes. read more

The staff is friendly and comes acInterested staff were able to submit a quilt of their own creation of art ....(quilts) I found that very interesting. read more

This place is a gem about quilt craft work. I loved many pieces there. They show wonderful artist in an art that needs patient. Really nice to visit there. $11 dollars . read more

Absolute gem . Artistry and craft come together in an amazing display. Spectacular quilts of all sizes, styles and colors. Also beautiful stained glass images of quilts. Even a quilt made of wood! Thorough gift shop for quilters and a friendly and smart staff Downer is they Ask you not to take photos but don't aggressively enforce it! Wink wink! They had an overly large display of kids quilts. While I appreciate the value of inspiring kids to quilt, way too much space was devoted to this. I come to a national museum expecting to see the best. This was disappointing albeit cute. read more

Well worth the trip! The MonaLisa was icing on the cake, too! You can't see her until you photograph the quilt!

Its really like being in an art museum. The quits will astonish and intrigue you! I'm in no way a quilter and do well to sew a button on but even a non-crafter like me could appreciate the detail and creativity on display! I also think non flash photos should be allowed.....it was a bummer not to be able to take a few pics. read more