Speed Art Museum | Louisville

Speed Art Museum – Louisville, Kentucky

The Speed Art Museum, located at 2035 South Third Street in Louisville, is Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum. Established in 1927 by philanthropist Hattie Bishop Speed, the museum has grown into a premier cultural institution, housing a collection that spans over 6,000 years of human history and showcasing global art traditions. It serves as both a center for art education and a hub for contemporary exhibitions, making it a cornerstone of Louisville’s cultural landscape.

History and Mission

Hattie Bishop Speed, a Louisville philanthropist and patron of the arts, founded the museum to enrich the city’s cultural offerings and provide public access to fine art.

The museum initially focused on European and American paintings but has since expanded to include contemporary art, sculpture, photography, and global collections.

Its mission is to inspire, educate, and connect communities through art, offering exhibitions, educational programs, and public events that foster creativity and understanding.

Collections

The Speed Art Museum holds over 12,000 objects, spanning diverse time periods and cultural contexts:

European Art

Works from the Renaissance through the early 20th century, including paintings by Rembrandt, Claude Monet, and Peter Paul Rubens.

Focuses on traditional techniques, portraiture, and landscape painting.

American Art

Highlights include works by Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and Thomas Hart Benton, covering colonial, 19th-century, and modern periods.

Includes paintings, prints, and decorative arts reflecting American culture and history.

Modern and Contemporary Art

Features works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Frank Stella, and Alexander Calder.

Includes painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Ancient and Non-Western Art

African, Native American, and ancient Asian artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, masks, and ritual objects.

Explores cross-cultural artistic traditions and influences.

Photography and Special Collections

Rotating exhibitions of historic and contemporary photography.

Includes curated collections of prints, rare books, and multimedia installations.

Architecture and Renovation

The museum originally opened in a neoclassical building with traditional gallery spaces.

In 2016, the museum underwent a $50 million expansion and renovation, designed by architect Kulapat Yantrasast of wHY.

The renovation doubled gallery space, added a 142-seat cinema, an education studio, a café, and an outdoor sculpture garden, blending historic and contemporary architectural elements.

The expansion emphasizes natural light, open circulation, and accessibility while providing modern facilities for exhibitions and events.

Programs and Education

Offers educational programs for all ages, including art classes, workshops, lectures, and guided tours.

Hosts school visits, youth programs, and community outreach initiatives that integrate art history, creativity, and cultural awareness.

Provides special events, such as artist talks, film screenings, and seasonal programs for families.

Special Exhibitions

The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary artists, traveling collections, and thematic displays.

Examples include:

Louisville's Black Avant-Garde: Gloucester Caliman (G.C.) Coxe

Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Photographs from the Speed Art Museum Collection

These exhibitions complement the permanent collection and provide dynamic experiences for returning visitors.

Visitor Experience

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Family-Friendly: Offers hands-on activities, family guides, and interactive exhibits for children.

Amenities: On-site café, gift shop, and event spaces enhance the visitor experience.

Parking: Adjacent parking garage on South Third Street, with metered street parking nearby.

Admission: Free on Sundays, with standard ticket prices for adults, students, and seniors on other days.

The Speed Art Museum combines historic legacy, world-class collections, and contemporary design to offer an immersive art experience. It serves as a cultural anchor in Louisville, providing residents and visitors with opportunities to explore artistic expression, historical context, and global perspectives across millennia.