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The Speed Art Museum, Louisville

4.6

#8 of 12 in Museums in Louisville

The Speed Art Museum, originally known as the J. B. Speed Memorial Museum, is Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum. It was founded in 1925 by Hattie Bishop Speed as a memorial to her husband, James Breckinridge Speed, a prominent Louisville businessman and philanthropist.

The Speed Art Museum recently reopened its doors after a three-year expansion project. The new 60,000-square-foot North Building creates one of the finest experiential art museums in the country and doubles the overall square footage and nearly triple the gallery space from the existing wing. The expansion creates a state-of-the-art space for larger special exhibitions, new contemporary art galleries, a family education welcome center, indoor/outdoor café, museum shop, theater, and a multifunctional pavilion for performances, lectures and entertaining. Additionally, the new Elizabeth P. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park and public Piazza was created for the display of sculpture that will engage University of Louisville students and faculty and museum visitors.

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The Speed Art Museum Reviews

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157 reviews

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4.6

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4.7

19,284 likes

By cheryl h On January 28, 2018

My favorite art is the crazy, make you think, contemporary art and I was not disappointed on our visit. We arrived late in the day and were afraid we would not be able to see everything and we couldn'... more »
By Katie D On January 22, 2018

My first experience here was during one of their monthly Speed After Hours events. We had an incredible time wandering back and forth from jammin’ live musical acts on stage, to live ballet performers... more »
By Ange C On January 7, 2018

I visited this museum January of 2017 and also January of 2018. I was disappointed to not see many changes in any of the pieces here. Beyond that, on Sundays this museum and that's the best time to vi... more »

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By Linda Roe On March 28, 2018

I have enjoyed the Speed Art Museum for over thirty five years. I have enjoyed classes, tours, dinners, exhibits and volunteering in the gift shop. Since they remodeled, I have visited the museum but not been as active as I have been in the past. The remodeled museum is gorgeous and was well worth the wait.

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By Laurie Arshonsky On March 26, 2018

Women Artists in the Impressionist Age was spectacular! Art culled from 11 countries was inspiring and beautiful! Tea and scones in the cafe was a real lift and delightful! Well done Speed Team!

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By Nick Grewal On March 25, 2018

Great weird museum with stuff all jumbled up together. A bit more expensive than it has to be but art is always worth it

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By Nick S On November 25, 2017

This is a great museum with regularly rotating exhibits. I worked here back in 2009 and have been visiting ever since. The remodel makes me miss the museum that I grew up with but it turned out great and made room for bigger exhibits.

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By Claire Allen On January 29, 2018

Great place to see a variety at a reasonable price (and it’s Free in Sundays thru 2021). Also enjoy the movies they offer.

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