Speed Art Museum
Photo: Self-photographed — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1927, the Speed Art Museum in Louisville offers a diverse collection spanning ancient to contemporary art, including works by Rembrandt, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Sherald.
Planning your visit
The Speed is Kentucky's largest art museum, founded in 1927 and substantially expanded in 2016 with a glass-fronted north building on the University of Louisville campus.
The collection spans ancient Egypt and classical antiquity, European painting including Rembrandt, Monet and Cézanne, and modern and contemporary work.
Its most consequential recent acquisition is Amy Sherald's portrait of Breonna Taylor, painted after Taylor was killed by Louisville police in her apartment in 2020. The museum's 2021 exhibition Promise, Witness, Remembrance, developed with Taylor's family and community representatives, addressed her death directly and became a reference point for how American museums respond to local events.
Kentucky art and craft form a substantial permanent strand.
The Elaine Wilson gallery and cinema extend the programme.
Allow two hours. The main booking is a general admission ticket. Current availability is shown below.
Before you book
Where is Speed Art Museum?
Speed Art Museum is in Louisville, United States. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Speed Art Museum?
Allow two hours. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
What are the opening hours of Speed Art Museum?
Tuesday Closed. Hours change on public holidays, so check the official site before travelling.
Do I need to book Speed Art Museum in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.
