From a thriving art and music scene to an incredible collection of museums to the creativity-inducing local parks — Louisville is an ideal vacation destination for anyone who appreciates the arts.
We’ve compiled a list of our top places, people, and things you need to know about our local arts and entertainment. And at the end of your inspired day in Louisville, come stay with us at the Inn at Woodhaven Bed and Breakfast where you’ll find inspiration in every room.
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Louisville’s Amazing Art Museums
Art appreciation comes in many forms — the Louisville Museums are full of fabulous creations for all art-loving types! These museums are a perfect way to escape the summer heat, or they’re a great indoor activity for your winter trip to Louisville.
The KMAC Museum
For fans of contemporary art, make your way to Museum Row for a visit to the KMAC Museum. They offer truly spectacular exhibitions like Masako Miki’s “Shapeshifting.” Visit their website for hours and events.
The Speed Museum
No Louisville art tour is complete without a stop at the Speed Museum. Located on Main St, this fun museum is Louisville’s oldest and largest art museum. Travel + Leisure Magazine calls the Speed one of “The World’s Most Beautiful New Museums” and we do not disagree!
If you’re looking for something really fun and unique that combines history with the contemporary, plan your travel around their monthly “After Hours at the Speed” events which include music, cinema, fashion, and more.
Modern Art Galleries for Fine Art
Louisville, Kentucky is one of the rare cities that is firmly rooted in the past as well as the present. From learning about its fascinating history at the Filson Historical Society to visiting some of its most cutting-edge art galleries, the Louisville art scene has something for everyone.
The Pyro Gallery
The Pyro Gallery is a great example of the modern Louisville art scene. Located on East Market St, this cool new art studio is run by artists for artists.
The E&S Gallery
The award-winning E&S Gallery is the oldest and largest African-American-owned art gallery in the country. In 2021, the American Art Awards named it the best gallery in Kentucky.
This amazing place specializes in fine art and has provided art for some of the most reputable institutions as well as Louisville legend Muhammad Ali!
Amazing Local Art and Artists
Besides art from around the world, Louisville has plenty to offer when it comes to local art. There are several art galleries in town where you can admire and purchase art made by local Kentucky artists.
Just Creations
If you’ve got a soft spot for hand-crafted goods, then swing by Just Creations for some shopping. This non-profit has a unique collection of gifts and home décor from artisans from Kentucky as well as from around the world.
Grab some Louisville-inspired items with the signature red cardinal and fleur-de-lis design that this area is known for, all while supporting artists in their craft.
Revelry Boutique Gallery
Keep the shopping spree going by stepping into the Revelry Boutique Gallery on East Market St.
In this lovely boutique, you can buy fine art that’s been produced by Louisville’s finest. The organization behind the Revelry Boutique Gallery has made it their mission to actively promote local artists by highlighting them in exhibitions and special opening events.
A Culinary Art Scene that that Inspires
Nobody wants to be a starving artist, so be sure to include several stops at a restaurant where art and dining intersect.
While few art galleries will let you bring in the Sloppy Joe you bought earlier, we believe that food and art truly is a combination made in heaven. Here are our favorite picks where the worlds of food and fine art overlap.
Proof On Main
One of our favorite spots is Proof on Main, located in the 21c Museum Hotel.
Aside from their mouth-watering pan-seared monkfish with pickled rhubarb, Proof on Main has an incredible ambiance filled with unique (and humorous) modern art.
Holy Grale
Fan of architecture? Head over to Holy Grale, a former Unitarian Church from 1905 that has been revived as a hip eatery and craft beer spot. This restaurant has 27 taps from around the world and 80 more bottles of beer and cider to choose from.
Be sure to try their Burgoo Poutine, a Kentucky twist on a Canadian favorite, and try to grab a spot in their outdoor Biergarten if the weather is nice.
Public Art: Sights to Spark Creativity
Perhaps you are an artist yourself and need the perfect spot to sketch or paint. Louisville KY has an impressive public park system, but two places stand out as our favorites: Cherokee Park and Louisville Waterfront Park.
Cherokee Park
If you want to be inspired by plants, visit the 409 acres of rolling hills at Cherokee Park and consider setting up shop in their pollinator garden for a beautiful collection of flowers, butterflies, and bees.
Waterfront Park
If you draw your artistic inspiration from architecture or people-watching, however, then Louisville Waterfront Park is your place. Create your interpretation of Big Four Bridge or catch a concert at their WFPK Waterfront on Wednesdays starting at 5 pm.
Whatever you choose, the Louisville park system has something for everyone! And if you need some delicious summer picnic food to take, let us recommend our crowd-pleasing Greek Summer Pita recipe.
The Street Art Scene
Not all art galleries are indoors and there’s an almost audible artistic buzz in the streets of Louisville. All around the city you can find public art on display such as murals and street art.
Spring St and Old Louisville
While not a proper gallery, Spring St and its surrounding area have become fertile grounds for Louisville’s emerging street art scene.
Simply wander the streets while taking in the work of some of the country’s most creative artists.
As if Old Louisville needed more reasons to visit!
Read our whole Old Louisville guide: Best Things To Do In Old Louisville.
The Portland Neighborhood
Head here to marvel at some of the city’s most iconic murals such as ‘Waterfalls’ by artist Chris Chappell or the equally impressive ‘Portland Flows’.
For an equally liquid but more heartwarming version, let the iconic ‘Whisky Got Me Into Trouble’ in Shelby Park guide you the renowned Trouble Bar for a glass of bourbon. It doesn’t get more local than that!
A Vibrant Music Scene
In addition to fine art and culinary art, Louisville’s music scene deserves a shout-out. From hip-hop artists such as Bryson Tiller to the indie sounds of My Morning Jacket, Louisville has it all!
Louisville Federation of Musicians
Looking to dive into the local music scene? The Louisville Federation of Musicians site is a great way to find area bands by genre and see what venues they’ll be playing at while you’re in town.
Mammoth Cave, the Coolest Concert Venue
We know what you may be thinking. Why are you writing about a cave on a blog about the arts? Not just any cave, Mammoth Cave, located 75 miles south of Louisville, is the longest cave system ever discovered.
Amongst the many incredible reasons to visit this cave, one is that it has also been home to symphonies — including a recent performance by the Louisville Chamber Choir, Louisville Orchestra, and Yo-Yo Ma.
While Mammoth Cave performances aren’t necessarily the norm, it’s worth it to check their calendar, and that of the Louisville Orchestra, for some truly moving experiences.
