At the Speed Art Museum, Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum, visitors explore 6,000 years of artistic expression — from timeless works of the past to bold contemporary masterpieces. Whether it’s summer exhibitions, the vast and awe-inspiring permanent collection, or family-friendly green spaces, there’s something for everyone here.
Founded in 1925 by trailblazer Hattie Bishop Speed to bring art to the community, the museum continues to embody her bold vision today. Art has the power to move us, challenge us, and change how we see the world. In short, art feeds the soul, and at the Speed Art Museum, you’ll find a feast. With summer on the horizon and warm days calling, the Speed offers a rich array of inspiration inside. Discover immersive gallery experiences and critically acclaimed films at the Speed Cinema, in addition to the three-acre Art Park arriving in October.
There’s something for everyone to discover at the Speed Art Museum this summer
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DISCOVER
Art has the power to move us, challenge us, and change how
we see the world.
The Speed Art Museum is committed to enriching visitors of all ages, from the youngest babies to the young at heart. Once a month from 10am-12pm, the Speed baby-ifies their gallery space for Baby Playdate – laying down floor mats, board books, toys and soft music for babies to enjoy. Another monthly event is Toddler Takeover, inviting young children to explore the museum independently, guided by child-friendly stations full of activities. On July 11th from 1–4pm, gather the whole family for a summer Family Day – an afternoon of activities and festivities for all ages.
As part of its growing dedication to youth education, the Speed Art Museum has expanded their programming for teens – giving young artists ages 14 to 17 the chance to sharpen their skills and develop their portfolios. Designed to foster creativity in a welcoming hands-on environment, the workshops and summer portfolio intensive provide the chance for art-curious teens to express themselves, develop their voice, and discover tools for social change.
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Something remarkable happens when curiosity sparks, your spirit finds renewal, and community comes alive.
In October, the Museum will unveil the Speed Art Park — a brand-new green space that invites all visitors to enjoy art in conversation with nature. Stretch out in the grass and enjoy a landscape of native pollinator plants and trees. Large-scale sculptures will punctuate the greenery, shaping a restorative space where students, neighbors, and families can gather and unwind. Best of all, the Art Park will be free, safe, ungated and open to the public — part of the Speed’s fundamental ethos of art for all.
The Speed is proud to serve as a cultural anchor where visitors can see themselves reflected in the art. This summer, the Speed debuts Louisville’s Black Avant-Garde: Gloucester Caliman (G. C.) Coxe, the first major solo museum exhibition of the pioneering abstract artist. On view from June 7 – September 7, the show is the third in the museum’s series celebrating the Louisville Art Workshop, a 1960s collective that empowered Black artists shut out of mainstream institutions. Featuring works spanning Coxe’s career and new historical scholarship, the exhibition honors his legacy and impact on Louisville’s Black art movement.
Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy Speed Cinema, a deeply intentional and community-connected part of the museum experience. Escape the heat and enjoy a cool, dark cinema space screening a range of films chosen to reflect current cultural conversations, global events, and even themes in the museum’s current exhibitions. From urgent documentaries and local stories to international features, Speed Cinema is dedicated to engaging the world through powerful, thought-provoking films.
Discover everything the Speed Museum has to offer you and your family this summer and stay up to date on current and upcoming exhibitions, events, and more at speedmuseum.org.
plan your visit
By Ryann Swift on June 18, 2025
- Full Name, Title
Sponsored by Speed Museum
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With its finger on the pulse of modern life and a deep respect for the histories, cultures, and movements that have shaped it, the Speed Art Museum continually evolves its collections to remain relevant and resonant for today’s audiences. With so much to see and experience, the Speed invites every visitor to spark their curiosity and celebrate the power of self-expression, joy, and innovation.
Top Left: Interview upon 1977 accession of Portrait of a Forty-Year-Old Woman by Rembrandt
Bottom Left: Expansion on the original 1927 building in 1954
Right: Museum docent pictured in the 1950s
2022 Teen Portfolio Intensive
Photo of G.C. Coxe by Geoff Carr, Courtesy of the Filson Historical Society
Photo by Alexandra Brumley
Photo by Supply Lab Media
At the Speed Art Museum, Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum, visitors explore 6,000 years of artistic expression — from timeless works of the past to bold contemporary masterpieces. Whether it’s summer exhibitions, the vast and awe-inspiring permanent collection, or family-friendly green spaces, there’s something for everyone here.
Founded in 1925 by trailblazer Hattie Bishop Speed to bring art to the community, the museum continues to embody her bold vision today. Art has the power to move us, challenge us, and change how we see the world. In short, art feeds the soul, and at the Speed Art Museum, you’ll find a feast. With summer on the horizon and warm days calling, the Speed offers a rich array of inspiration inside. Discover immersive gallery experiences and critically acclaimed films at the Speed Cinema, in addition to the three-acre Art Park arriving in October.
The Speed Art Museum is committed to enriching visitors of all ages, from the youngest babies to the young at heart. Once a month from 10am-12pm, the Speed baby-ifies their gallery space for Baby Playdate – laying down floor mats, board books, toys and soft music for babies to enjoy. Another monthly event is Toddler Takeover, inviting young children to explore the museum independently, guided by child-friendly stations full of activities. On July 11th from 1–4pm, gather the whole family for a summer Family Day – an afternoon of activities and festivities for all ages.
As part of its growing dedication to youth education, the Speed Art Museum has expanded their programming for teens – giving young artists ages 14 to 17 the chance to sharpen their skills and develop their portfolios. Designed to foster creativity in a welcoming hands-on environment, the workshops and summer portfolio intensive provide the chance for art-curious teens to express themselves, develop their voice, and discover tools for social change.
In October, the Museum will unveil the Speed Art Park — a brand-new green space that invites all visitors to enjoy art in conversation with nature. Stretch out in the grass and enjoy a landscape of native pollinator plants and trees. Large-scale sculptures will punctuate the greenery, shaping a restorative space where students, neighbors, and families can gather and unwind. Best of all, the Art Park will be free, safe, ungated and open to the public — part of the Speed’s fundamental ethos of art for all.
The Speed is proud to serve as a cultural anchor where visitors can see themselves reflected in the art. This summer, the Speed debuts Louisville’s Black Avant-Garde: Gloucester Caliman (G. C.) Coxe, the first major solo museum exhibition of the pioneering abstract artist. On view from June 7 – September 7, the show is the third in the museum’s series celebrating the Louisville Art Workshop, a 1960s collective that empowered Black artists shut out of mainstream institutions. Featuring works spanning Coxe’s career and new historical scholarship, the exhibition honors his legacy and impact on Louisville’s Black art movement.
Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy Speed Cinema, a deeply intentional and community-connected part of the museum experience. Escape the heat and enjoy a cool, dark cinema space screening a range of films chosen to reflect current cultural conversations, global events, and even themes in the museum’s current exhibitions. From urgent documentaries and local stories to international features, Speed Cinema is dedicated to engaging the world through powerful, thought-provoking films.
Discover everything the Speed Museum has to offer you and your family this summer and stay up to date on current and upcoming exhibitions, events, and more at speedmuseum.org.
plan your visit