Near the University of Louisville in Old Louisville, the Speed Art Museum brings together art from ancient civilizations to the present. Its collection includes Roman antiquities, African and Native American art, Kentucky works, and paintings by artists such as Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt and John Singer Sargent. The original Beaux-Arts building sits beside a modern addition, with a glass-walled atrium linking the spaces. Leave time for Art Sparks, the hands-on family gallery, and check the current exhibitions before you go; the program changes throughout the year.
A museum beside the University of Louisville
The Speed Art Museum is at 2035 South Third Street, next to the University of Louisville’s Belknap campus in Old Louisville. Founded by Hattie Bishop Speed as a memorial to her husband, James Breckinridge Speed, it opened in 1927. It is Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum.
The original building was designed in the Beaux-Arts style. A major expansion and renovation, completed in 2016, added new gallery space and a modern counterpart to the historic structure. The museum’s architecture is part of the visit: look for the contrast between the older façade and the newer addition, including its glass-walled atrium and concrete exterior.
Art from antiquity to the present
The collection spans thousands of years and includes ancient, classical and modern works. Areas of focus include Roman antiquities, African art, Native American art, European and American art, contemporary works, and art connected to Kentucky. The collection also includes works by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and John Singer Sargent. Displays include paintings, sculpture and other forms of visual art.
The museum’s galleries include a focus on Black artists, bringing together work by artists from different generations. Kentucky art and craft are also represented, including furniture and works by local artisans. The collection ranges widely, so you can move between historical objects and more recent art within the same visit.
Temporary exhibitions change over time and have covered subjects such as fashion design, political cartoons, European Impressionism and glass. Check the museum’s current exhibition information before setting out, especially if you are visiting for a particular artist or topic. A past exhibition inspired by Bosch and Bruegel, for example, included works influenced by those artists rather than original works by them.
Art Sparks and family visits
Art Sparks is an interactive gallery with hands-on stations for children and adults. Activities let families experiment with ideas such as sculpture, light and colour. It is a useful change of pace for younger visitors after time in the galleries, and can also give families a shared way to engage with art.
The museum has a café, shop and cinema, as well as spaces used for performances and events. Docent-led tours are another way to explore the collection; ask about availability when planning your visit. Special programs and exhibitions vary, so check the museum’s website for current details.
For a quieter start, plan to arrive near opening on a weekday. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Allow a few hours if you want time for both the collection and a temporary exhibition, with extra time for Art Sparks or a tour.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Speed Art Museum?
It is at 2035 South Third Street in Old Louisville, beside the University of Louisville’s Belknap campus.
What can you see at the Speed Art Museum?
The collection ranges from Roman antiquities and African and Native American art to Kentucky, European, American and contemporary works. Temporary exhibitions change throughout the year.
Is there something for children at the museum?
Yes. Art Sparks is an interactive gallery with hands-on activities for children and adults.
How much time should you allow for a visit?
Allow a few hours to see the collection and exhibitions. Add time if you plan to visit Art Sparks or join a docent-led tour.
