Speed Art Museum

I am a supporter of the arts and went to see the Bosch exhibit. However, it's a bit misleading because there were no actual original Bosch pieces, only "artists inspired by Bosch". I think they misrepresented the exhibit. Enjoyed our time there despite the disappointment that there was no Bosch artwork.

Wow! This is a true gem in Louisville, KY. I mean that. There is so much depth and beauty to be discovered here in this masterfully laid out museum. There are exhibits that are ancient and then there are modern and contemporary exhibits. The newer addition of the building is a piece of art all in itself. I recommend a trip to see this art museum. I am thankful I took my family.

Always a joy to come here. Wish they would reopen the planetarium. I always wanted to take a date there, seems like a good date night idea. Like the Beatles or Fantasia showings. I love the art though. Always top notch exhibits with exquisite pieces you'd be hard to find anywhere else. Great pass prices too. Bring the whole family. My mother started bringing me here when I was a little kid and we still go together sometimes!! ❤️

I went to the Brilliant Blooms event and had such a wonderful time. The art museum really put a lot of effort into this event, there were drinks, live jazz music, a bouquet bar and of course the beautiful displays created by local florists. This event was affordable and I LOVED that they gave local florists an opportunity to show their work. One of my favorite aspects was that you really could smell the flowers and it looked like they curated each piece to fit with the art in the room. Would definitely go back and definitely recommend.

Drove down from Cincinnati to see the Brilliant Exiles exhibit about American Women in Paris 1900-1939. First, the museum is beautiful, an architectural masterpiece. And the exhibit was absolutely terrific—just the right size, very approachable, good information with each photograph/painting. The whole theme of ‘brilliance’ and the kind of independence and joy of these women are deftly captured in this exhibit. It was a pleasure to be there, a privilege to see the works. We did do a little exploring of the rest of the museum, and I especially liked the Kentucky Art section. Well worth a drive to this wonderful museum!

Art museum has a wide variety of art, from classical to folk art. The building itself is fun to explore. Didn't realize it sits on the Louisville University campus, not downtown! Allow for at least half a day to see it all

Love the architecture. This museum is around U of Louisville so went on a weekday during winter break. Fridays have a children’s day, but planned to go right when it opened, to bet the rush. Great special exhibits and solid permanent pieces. Definitely plan to go back.

So much art! Literally all wings had impeccable collections with such diversity. The glass collection in the second floor was amazing. Staff weren’t all too helpful with questions & some artworks didn’t have any information listed for them and/or their information plaques were not near said piece. Leaving we got notified of the museum closing but as we entered the gift shop security was not too friendly pushing everyone to leave. Overall a nice place!

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!

I'm still giving the Speed a 5 star review but I am a bit dissapointed in the new ourdoor space. I have been waiting for a couple of years to see the new transformation to the outdoor space they have been touting. We popped in yesterday for a walk around and really only saw a few new scluptures and a new sitting area. Which were nice but not as grand as I expected. There was one really cool moving sclupture I found fasinating and that was definitely worth the trip but hopefully in time there will be additions to make the outdoor space as cool as the indoor museum exhibits. The whole experience took about 5 minutes to explore.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our group visited the museum on a Wednesday to enjoy a prepaid ticketed event of a national Video Fest being held over multiple days. Website was fairly easy to navigate to purchase tickets. Parking garage is very expensive. Construction dust and debris are the first thing encountered as patrons enter the property on foot or via vehicle. Signage is sparse, so be prepared to wing it. We planned our visit around a 1 PM showing of the fundraiser film and arrived at 11 AM to have lunch at the Wiltshire Pantry cafe on site (spoiler alert! IT's Closed!). These plans were made based upon the recorded phone directory message accessed a week prior which listed the cafe's hours. We had even called to confirm the information and left a voicemail for staff to return our call for group visits. No response has yet been received by the time of this review (10 days later). At the Information Desk, which was staffed with 3 people, we were told the Wiltshire Pantry has been closed since at least the end of 2023 and new cafe provider of Marigold will hope to be open next month by September 2024 (supposed to have opened in March 2024). When we expressed that we had accessed the phone directory and website and received misinformation, the staff told us they were aware of the incorrect info and appeared unconcerned. When we told them we had left a voicemail for a callback for our group visit, one of the staff said they had just been discussing this very topic among themselves as they were sitting together at the info desk, but that they were very busy and had not had time to listen to voicemails, but planned to at any moment. Wow -- not impressed. The gift shop appeared to be fully stocked. Prices were steep, but this was expected since it's a source of revenue. (Example: A 500-piece puzzle was $25.) Pro: Gorgeous venue, easy accessibility for any level of mobility inside, light and bright and clean facilities, tons of staff scattered throughout the building readily available to answer questions or provide assistance, and a nice variety of artwork displayed from the collection throughout the property. Movie theater was very comfortable and terrific accommodations. Cons: Construction that seems unending, staff will not answer phone or return voicemails, phone system gives misinformation and has not been updated for a year, parking is expensive in adjacent garage. We might return in the next 6 months to see the current temporary exhibit, but it also depends on if our phone call is ever returned to enable the visit. Not holding my breath based on this encounter. I also decided I won't be purchasing a museum membership based on this visit. Sundays are free to visit the museum for the general exhibits.

Just to let folks know the Speed Art Museum now has a free first Thursday of the month starting from 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm. This does not include the special exhibit, however, the Thursday night session includes a free clothed figure drawing class. Of course the Speed is free on Sundays to all but now you have a free first Thursday night had is slower paced. Do note that parking in the Speed garage will cost approximately $8. If you chose to park a block and a half away on Second Street by DuPont Manual High School it's free parking.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

'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.

Beautiful modern art museum. The exterior and interior architecture is well done. Nice that Sundays are free to guests! Great afternoon visit. All the exhibits were well displayed and museum wasn't crowded despite it being free entrance Sunday!

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.

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!

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!

What a wonderful museum. It's a great place to check out arts and see rotating exhibits in addition to their regular installments. It's a very open and modern building. Just walking to the areas where the art is feels like a display in itself. Perfectly cool on a super hot day as well. The Wiltshire Bakery has a cafe in the museum where you can grab a cup of coffee and mosh on delicious pastries or have a meal. I admit that sometimes I go to the museum to not only check out the art but also the pastry and baked goods display! We became members and don't regret it as we have taken a class they offer on the weekends and learned some abstract painting. We have been there a few times already this year and see new things every time we go back. They have a paid parking garage or you can look for parking on the street as well. There are events that take place after hours as well. It's really an amazing museum and doesn't disappoint at all.

New exhibitions. The artwork is amazing. Every corner you turn is a different type of art. Wondering thru the rooms and taking in all the beauty is fascinating. Great place to go on a rainy Sunday afternoon when it is open to the public. Social distancing is easy.

There's no better way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon that perusing an art museum. Whether it's checking out a new exhibit, searching for works by famous artists, or just enjoying some old favorites, the Speed Art Museum is the ideal spot to while away a few hours. And thanks to a generous donation from Brown-Forman, admission on Sundays is free through March 2021! I have visited on a number of Sundays, most recently last week. While a number of people practiced yoga in the atrium, it was easy to wander over to many of the other art exhibits. The art runs the gamut from paintings to sculpture to historic home decor. There's even a stolen vase -- but don't worry, they're well aware; the Italian government has allowed it to stay on loan for a few years. Still, the story of how antiques can end up in a museum via the wrong hands is intriguing, and there's an explanation next to the vase. Let the different types of art inspire you, spark your inquisitive nature, and help you see the world as a little more beautiful and unique. I know it has for me!

Call me a bad Louisvillian. I had only visited the Speed Art Museum once before it closed for its major renovation, and it was only for a few minutes at that. But consider my ignorance corrected. My eyes are open -- to the art and Speed's place as a world-class institution. Now that the Speed has reopened, renovated and with its new wing, I can't wait to bring new people to wander its hallways and look at its masterpieces. I took in the Speed on Sunday, when admission is free, thanks to a generous donation by Brown-Forman. (But important to know: Parking in the adjacent structure costs $7.) I started in the older section of the museum. Don't let the fact that this area is dated temper your expectations. The bulk of what you can see is in this area, and it ranges from Kentucky art to African, Renaissance to Native American, sculpture to paintings to fashion. But more than the variety, I was most impressed with how everything was curated. I have been to the Art Institute of Chicago, Detroit Institute of Arts, the J. Paul Getty Museum. And more than even all of those, I felt like the Speed pulled me in through not only presenting amazing works but by also what these were displayed by and their descriptions. For example, among all of the Native American artwork hangs a giant portrait of Russell Means, the Native American actor and activist, by Andy Warhol. The Speed's art isn't only characterized chronologically, geographically and by art movement but also by topic. And the descriptions on the wall not only tell the name of the piece and its maker but help you understand it. A large portrait of Sallie Ward, a Louisville debutante from the 1800s, hung next to a portrait of a French actress that lived more than 100 years before her. The plaques talked about the importance of context to understanding art and especially portraits. Were the pieces meant to show how the subject is magnanimous or different from what others thought of them? How is the subject's personality portrayed? These were two of the first pieces I came across and helped set the tone for evaluating the art during the rest of my visit. Similarly, guests to the Kentucky Gallery are asked, "Who is Kentucky?" It challenges the viewer to think about how objects and subjects shape how we connect to place. The Speed contains items from around the world, yet it also doesn't forget its home state. As a Kentuckian, I appreciate that. And now, the Speed has a new wing that houses modern and contemporary art. While the old part of the Speed is somewhat meandering, the new building is open. The art on these floors includes film, photography, mixed media, sculpture and painting. They tackle race, sex, patriotism, the media, identity. And the docents were particularly great about pointing out must-sees. On the top floor, there is a doll wearing a hoodie, sitting in a chair. If you are just walking by, it might strike you as spooky. The eyes are black holes. But if you kneel on the floor and look up into the dolls eyes, as the docent showed me, you can see up into the doll's head and see the eyes, projecting, staring back and occasionally blinking. My only complaint with the whole museum, really, is the obscure photo policy. While looking at one of the contemporary pieces, one of the museum's employees rushed up to me, telling me that photos of certain pieces are prohibited. In the older section of the museum, some of the plaques have a camera icon with a slash through it, and I had been looking for that same icon before taking photos on the new floors. I understand that the museum may not have copyrights on all of its pieces and doesn't want to violate any rules. But at the same time, you'll find hashtags around the museum that encourage photos. The museum worker pointed, somewhat flustered, to the map brochure in my hand where it says that photos of loaned pieces are prohibited. And then she pointed to the tiny ID number at the bottom of the plaque, which contained an "L" in it. If there is an "L" in the ID, that means it is on loan, she said. Nowhere in the program is this explained -- that the "L" means loan. I really wish it had been. I was embarrassed, considering I was corrected among a group of people, and I cut short my time on that floor. It was a large distraction. Other pluses to the Speed include the Art Sparks area for children. This popular area was full of interactive activities. Adults were taking part, along with children. The Speed has some fantastic large event spaces and terraces that are worth a look. It hosts regular events. The gift shop is also chock full of interesting finds. I spent about six months after graduating college working in the Chicago Symphony gift shop and ever since then, I have a soft spot for high-end gift shops. All in all, I can't wait to go back to the Speed and bring new people with me. It's a Louisville treasure that every resident and visitor should experience.

Very cool place to visit and see. Very knowledgeable and nice staff to help you find something.

I went to After Hours at the Speed on 9/21. I have not been to the Speed since I graduated UL in 2012 and, wow, the updates (read: major construction) are phenomenal. I am not an artistic person and I generally find it difficult to enjoy art. Something I really enjoyed at the Speed is in their exhibits there are various tips to help you enjoy and evaluate the works. The advice that stuck with me - If you look at a piece and feel confused, ask yourself what about it is confusing. I believe the tips on the walls really added to my experience. When something caught my eye, I would use those tips to enhance my experience. Instead of walking by a painting and thinking "Oh that's cool", I was able to dig deeper and think about why I think it is cool. I would HIGHLY recommend a trip to the museum when you have some free time (i.e. winter is coming and outside stops being fun). I'll be back here as you can spend hours looking at and evaluating the art.

This is a great university museum. It's much larger than I thought and their permanent collection exhibition spaces are wonderful. They have a really great collection. I really enjoyed the tapestry room and the English room. I went to see the Warhol exhibition which I thought was just okay. I was excited to learn more about the struggles with his faith but found the overall connections to that theme pretty weak. The COVID signage is confusing in here and so is the parking garage signage. Also, when you all are doing private events, maybe wait till after the museum closes to set up? Talk about making guests feel unwelcome! Sorry for having to walk past some floral arrangements to use the restroom!! Anyways, a great museum with a well thought out gallery space and collection.

I'm new to Louisville, so I could be wrong (although I doubt it) - but Speed Art Museum is the best intellectual zen you'll find for $18. The building itself stands bold against a bright blue sky and is casually welcoming with its no fuss entrance (complete with a relaxing ground level water feature). Upon entering, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who briefly explain the layout of the museum before sending you on your journey. The interior is a sanctuary in which visitors can lull themselves into a state of contemplative bliss as they walk through corridors covered in art dating back as far as ancient Egypt. Exhibits include African art, Roman tablets and internment vessels, Egyptian carvings, renaissance paintings, and so much more. I love that you can take photos of most everything in the museum with the exception of a select few displays. There is also a children's section, but as my daughter is just 5 months old, we haven't explored that area yet. This review will be updated once we check that part out! The staff members at Speed are courteous, professional, and eagerly helpful. The gift shop has a fun selection of jewelry, posters and postcards, bags, and lots of nifty odds and ends - all reasonably priced. There are also free days where everyone can enjoy this space at no cost, and if you have a cultural pass be sure to stop by on a Wednesday for free admission (one time only, I believe). Speed Art Museum is truly as invigorating as it is meditative. I can't say how grateful I am to have such an extensive museum right here in Louisville. Treat yourself to a few hours of inspiration and I promise your mental state will thank you for it.

Visiting family and had the opportunity to visit this great museum. My brother is a professional artist and he was my guide. He was able to explain many things to me. How it was made, why it was popular in that era, and how it's being preserved. Everything was here was clean and organized. They provided a map. I'll definitely be coming back.

I have been to museums all over Europe and must say that the Speed Art is up to par with any of them. The new building structure is gorgeous and a stunning event space. I love how the contemporary and traditional art pieces are separated between the new and the old building. You will be able to see paintings by artists such as Monet, Rembrandt and Picasso as well as art of ancient civilizations. It's always worth a visit!

Nice museum with a lot of interesting exhibits. On Sunday it's free but you still have to pay for parking- which is $7 in the adjacent parking structure. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area. Also, make sure to have a meal in the cafe. We had gone to breakfast prior to going to the museum so we only ended up having an afternoon coffee and cookie. I went with the chocolate orange cookie and a mocha. Both were good but the cookie was large. Museum exhibits themselves are eclectic. Whole space is open and airy. It wasn't too crowded even though it was free.

I should say to start that the Speed is gorgeous. The building is really incredible. And - through March 2021, it's FREE ON SUNDAYS. I currently live in a city with a poor art museum scene, and the museums are still quite expensive. So visiting this wonderful museum for free was such a treat. When I visited, the museum had two wonderful exhibitions - Southern Accent: Seeking the American South in Contemporary Art and Southern Elegy: Photography from the Stephen Reily Collection. This art museum was a joy to visit.

I hadn't been to the Speed in years -- like, 'school field trip' amount of years. At that time in my life, I didn't appreciate museums. They were just some place to walk around in silence until we were able to do something more fun. Just keeping it real, folks. But then I got older and my tastes began to get a wee bit more sophisticated. I started to appreciate and value museums for the cultural significance they embodied -- and bristled a bit when thinking of all the art(ifacts) that were stolen from their rightful owners.* So it came to pass that I was back home and in want of a way to pass the time on a Sunday after church. The Speed. Thanks to its generous endowment (the Browns, right?), the museum is open free to the public for another year. There's always the balance of art v. commerce... whether if it's for everyone, shouldn't it be free? Again, this is a post for another sort of medium (hyuck) but, for now, I am grateful that the public has the opportunity to walk the halls and engage in some thoughtful reflection and centuries-old motivation. After wrestling with just which lot offered free parking (I finally went with the frat houses across the street; it was holiday break and no one was around), I found the Speed very easy to navigate with much to see. It's of little surprise that the museum is well-curated with many types, periods and localities of art. The first floor is a treasure trove (in some cases, literal) of pieces, paintings, sculptures, and textiles of art from throughout the world, ages and Kentucky. Take your time and explore every wing, for there are many twists and turns. There are also lots of steps and stairs, so it's good that there's a decent amount of seating for those who might need it. For the youngsters, there's interactive art (perfect for field trips) and, off the Kentucky art wing, there's a theater (also, good for field trips). The second floor is a bit smaller, boasting contemporary art (and a dramatic staircase). The third floor holds the rotating special exhibit and is the only portion of the museum that isn't free. I believe entry to that portion is $5 (affordable). The University setting makes sense and it's pretty impressive that the Speed is still packing in the crowds after all these years. The renovated space gives the feel of a museum in a much larger city. Congrats to Louisville for putting a premium on the arts and adding to a rich tradition. If in town, the Speed is definitely worth a visit -- especially on a Sunday. *That's another sort of review/post.

After Hours at The Speed.....fantastic!! Art, music, food and drink....crowded, lively, well staffed....we will be back again!!!

First things first: I'm a little biased. When I was a student at UofL, the Speed Art Museum was a favorite study spot -- quiet, contemplative and French impressionism gives me warm fuzzies. But the Speed museum has grown a lot since then. Now, it's a big, modern space that not only houses art -- it IS art. If you haven't been since the museum's major remodel, or if you've never been, you should. I'd recommend going on a Sunday, when admission is free thanks to a donation. The remodel added a new wing to the museum. The old building remains largely unchanged, at least structurally. The new wing is modern and houses (appropriately) the more modern, avant-garde art exhibits. While Speed obviously isn't the MET, it does have a decent collection spanning many centuries, miles and movements. You can see American colonial crafts, Egyptian art, woodworking, paintings, sculpture, etc. There's even a cinema for art films and an interactive space for kids. Speed also hosts a lot of events, including concerts. If you have a chance, check out After Hours, when there's a band, cocktails, and sometimes other acts like fire dancing and acrobatics.

A friend and I made the road trip down to Louisville from Indianapolis specifically to see the Andy Warhol show Revelations. This was a great show and the Speed Museum was great too. We had a timed entrance to the show. Not very many people around, but social distancing was definitely in play via signs and floor decals telling patrons were to stand when queuing up. I feel very lucky to experience this Warhol show which had been at the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, PA prior. I am always appreciative of getting the opportunity to view an original painting in person. Ive learned that one must jump at the opportunity presents itself because it may be a once in a life time chance. Many of the pieces in the Revelations show were curated from private collections. I cannot wait to get to this museum again soon. We explored the various rooms and floors for over three hours, but we easily could have stayed longer. The Speed represents Louisville in the strongest way.

I love going to museums. I love the masterful works. So many museums you can walk though in an hour or so and you don't need to go back. We spent 4 hours in here before we got to overwhelmed. We ended up becoming members so we can go back as many times as we want to so we can see all the exhibits that we didn't see the first run through. Plus they always have newer exhibits coming through for a short period of time so we won't miss those as well. First class museum, you won't regret going there AND becoming a member.