Location: Louisville
Top Things to do in Louisville
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Top 10 Museums in Louisville, Kentucky (KY)
Each year, horse enthusiasts hoof it to Louisville and Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. In addition to equestrian endeavors and bluegrass roots, Louisville boasts a range of exciting attractions the whole family can enjoy. Stroll through Central Park, in the historic district, to people-watch and get a real feel for the city. Visit other nearby parks for hiking, biking and fossil finding. Baseball fans will love the Louisville Slugger Museum, a celebration of the sport's legends. The museum is easy to spot, just look for the humongous bat that leans against the building.
Restaurants in Louisville
1. Paul Paletti Gallery
2. The Chateau Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Chateau Gallery is a contemporary art gallery, set within a Chateauesque Victorian mansion, in the heart of the Historic Old Louisville Preservation District. With over 5000 square feet of beams, brick, and mortar, the Chateau is the largest independent art space in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
3. Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 622 reviews
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is a historic, Victorian mansion located in the heart of Old Louisville on St. James Court. It is one of the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and was the masterpiece of famed local architect Arthur Loomis of Clarke & Loomis. Surrounded by a beautiful courtyard neighborhood at the center of the largest collection of Victorian Homes in the US, "Conrad's Castle" featured all the latest innovations of its day, including interior plumbing and electric lighting. Known for its beautiful woodwork and parquet floors, this massive Bedford limestone home, covered with gargoyles, beautiful archways, and elaborate stone designs, incorporated 7 types of hardwoods and magnificent stained glass windows in the interior design, making it one of the most stunning homes in Old Louisville. The Museum has been lovingly restored to the Edwardian Age, housing a massive collection of period items including many original pieces.
Reviewed By mhume
Beth Caldwell, a great granddaughter of the second owner of the home, led our tour and it was the best home tour I have ever done, due in large part to her engaging personality and personal stories! The framing woodwork and staircase, as well as the different parquet flooring pattern in each room are remarkable examples of craftsmanship from the past. Seeing the Acousticon (a hearing aid from the early 1900s) which Grace used, her life size doll, a sewing machine from the era, mechanical pencils and tools used by the Caldwell men, the large hidden wall safe, and more were all interesting. The exterior is constructed of limestone, and with its indoor plumbing and electric light bulbs, it was one of the most remarkable homes of its day! It is a treasure to have such a beautifully preserved home to tour in Louisville.
4. Hyland Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Hyland Glass is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Casey and Melanie Hyland. Through out the week you can stop in and watch as they along with their team of assistants craft handblown glass into functional everyday glassware, sculptural objects and custom commission pieces. Located in the Butchertown Corridor of NULU next door to the historical Thomas Edison House- this studio opens its glass shop up to the public on Saturdays. With a reservation you may schedule a time to come in and blow your own glass.
5. The Filson Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
The Filson was founded on May 15, 1884, by ten Louisvillians with a common love of history. The primary founder and first president was Reuben T. Durrett. The Filson’s mission is to collect, preserve, and tell the significant stories of Kentucky and Ohio Valley history and culture.
Reviewed By jgbtravels - Louisville, United States
After a year and a half absence we have rejoined The Filson Historical Society just in time for Sandra Day O’Connor lecture. It was very informative and we were able to learn a bit more about her life and career as a Supreme Court Judge. Of course we came away with a better appreciation for her work and career. We also have signed up for future lectures that are of interest. Of course you don’t have to be a member to attend the lectures but do remember that most lectures are free to members. Many of the lectures/events take place in the Ferguson Mansion in Old Louisville which is not only lovely but historic. And yes, the Filson does have parking which is a bonus in Old Louisville.
6. AA Clay Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
AA Clay Studio, conveniently located in south-central Louisville is operated by qualified ceramic artists. The Studio is a shared working space with modern equipment. Schedule a 1-hour lesson online today!
7. Kentucky Derby Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,298 reviews
The Kentucky Derby Museum, where every day is Derby day, is the official tour provider of historic Churchill Downs. When you visit the Museum, you will find yourself immersed in the next best thing to actually being at the Derby! As the exclusive tour provider for the track, various tours are offered throughout the year even when the track isn’t in session with live racing. General admission includes two levels of family-friendly interactive permanent & temporary exhibits, "The Greatest Race," a 360-degree immersive sound and visual experience that'll get your heart racing and emotions soaring, Historic Walking Tour of Churchill Downs Racetrack, access to the Gift Shop, Kentucky fare in the Derby Cafe Express and much more!
Reviewed By B465DMsarahc - Glenwood, United States
We stopped here on our drive through to take a break and it was well worth it. It was four of us, 10-month old, 14 year old, and my husband and I. We took the tour, watched the video, and walked around the museum. It was all well worth it and we learned a lot. We didn't get to see the entire museum because we had to get back on the road. You can stop here for a little over an hour, or spend the day....lots of options and lots of different tours depending on how long you want to stay. I will say, we got there after lunch time and the more in depth tours were already sold out, so if you want to take the behind the scenes tour that take you to the barns, etc. - you probably need to book those early. We would come here again.
8. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,521 reviews
Batter up! It takes a special place to craft the #1 Bat in Major League Baseball. At Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, experience history-in-the-making as you stroll through the actual factory where world-famous Louisville Slugger bats are created. The award-winning factory tour is a highlight of the visit here, but there's plenty more to enjoy along with it. Admire the World's Biggest Bat - stretching 120 feet into the sky. Hold bats actually used by baseball superstars like Mickey Mantle, Johnny Bench, Cal Ripken Jr. And Derek Jeter. Face down a 90-mph fastball hurled by a major league pitcher. Count the homerun notches Babe Ruth carved into his Louisville Slugger bat for every home run he hit with it. Step into the batting cages and take some swings with a replica model of your hero's bat. Guests even get a free miniature souvenir bat at the end of the factory tour. You can even create a bat with your own name on it, just like the pros. They make great gifts for all kinds of special occasions, from newborn babies, to groomsmen gifts, to team trophies and more. The museum store is also loaded with lots of sporty merchandise for every budget. Be sure to swing by!
Reviewed By Vmorris99 - Saint Louis, United States
Don't hesitate...go...and pay for the tour! We toured the museum while in Louisville for a convention and visit with friends. My husband and I took our 9 year old son. We all found the museum to exceed our expectations. You can pop into the museum, and you have the option to pay for a tour of the factory. We are so glad we took the tour! Our tour guide was knowledgeable, interesting and funny. You begin with a short movie about how they own their own forest, and how trees are selected, harvested for production and conserved. It was a short and interesting film. Then, our guide lead us through the factory and stopped at key points to describe the process of bat production, labeling and painting. I found the info on how MLB players select bats fascinating. At the end if the tour, each person receives a miniature bat. Afterwards, you are able to explore the museum, which contains baseball history, actual bats of famous players, clocked pitching speed demo, and fun photo opportunities including a dugout and pitching mound where you can pose with a famous player's actual bat. For fellow smashed penny collectors, the lobby features a crank machine with four designs for your smashing pleasure! The lobby also contains a nice gift shop where custom bats, hats, keychains and other souvenirs can be purchased. The ginormous bat on the outside of the building is Instagramable!
9. Historic Locust Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Built in 1792, Locust Grove, a three story brick Georgian home, is the final home of General George Rogers Clark, the founder of Louisville, and conqueror of the Old Northwest Territory. The house was built by his sister Lucy Croghan and her husband William Croghan who raised 8 children here and hosted their brother William Clark, of Lewis and Clark fame, as well as Presidents Monroe, Jackson and Taylor, Vice President Arron Burr, statesmen such as Cassius Clay, and several artists including John James Audubon. This National Historic Landmark has been restored to reflect the elegance of General Clark's time at Locust Grove. The 55 acres of gardens, fields and woodlands are open for exploration daily.
Reviewed By KibesGreen - Broxbourne, United Kingdom
Originally built around 1792, the house has been carefully restored and now represents the early 1800s. The house and grounds are very interesting, with furniture and decoration that lets you see what life would have been like 200 years ago. The people that have visited Locust Grove make an impressive list and add to the history of the house. Presidents Andrew Jackson and James Monroe, and Lewis & Clarke are just some of the distinguished guests. As with all houses of this period the museum documents all of the people associated with property, including the enslaved workers, who at one time numbered between 50 and 70. Also the native Americans who would have been in conflict with the pioneers who built the mansion on their land.
10. The Speed Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Features paintings by Rembrandt, Picasso and Rubens, as well as contemporary art exhibits.
Reviewed By LindaKay1959 - Louisville, United States
Isabelle de Borchgrave Exhibit- Fashioning Art from Paper. Life size dresses made from paper, covering 500 years of history from Europe and around the word. Also on special exhibit is Adele and Leonard Leigh’s collection of glass. The story of how they met and the life that led them to Louisville is quite interesting. Along with these two displays are the permanent displays in the museum. Social Distancing and mask are enforced. Tickets sold in advance at a limited number per hour. The exhibits take between 2 and 2 1/2 hours to cover.
