Museums are the cultural hubs of Lexington. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about LEX or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 13 museums to visit in our city.
History
Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, 120 Sycamore Rd. | $0-$25
Located in the scenic Ashland Park, you can take a self-guided tour of the grounds or schedule an educational tour of the Ashland estate to learn more about the Founding Father + the history of the site. Be sure to check out the new H. Clay & Co. Museum Store located downtown at Henry Clay’s former Law Office.
Lexington History Museum, 210 N. Broadway | $0-$10
Get a crash course on the industries that built Lexington, read stories about our historic citizens (including con artist Augustus Donfred H. Build), and see real-life historic technology.
Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St. | Free
This Lexington institution hosts an array of events that celebrate diversity in the city. Try a self-guided tour to learn about the history of Black jockey’s in the area, or schedule a group tour to get an in-depth lesson of each exhibit.
Mary Todd Lincoln House, 578 W. Main St. | $0-$20
Learn about the life of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, from her beginnings here in Lexington to her path to the White House. Heads up: This historic site is open seasonally March 15-November 30.
Waveland State Historic Site, 225 Waveland Museum Ln. | $6-$15
Observe and educate yourself about the history of the enslaved peoples of Waveland and explore its 10 acres featuring curated gardens. Don’t miss: attending a vintage baseball game, where players abide by rules from the 1860s.
Arts
21c Museum Hotel, 167 W. Main St. | Free
Stay the night at this boutique hotel or stop by for dinner and a self-guided tour of the museum’s contemporary pieces. Upon entry, you’ll be greeted with 7,000 sqft of exhibits from different mediums, including photography, paintings, and sculptures.
University of Kentucky Art Museum, 405 Rose St. | Free
There’s no shortage of unique exhibits at this on-campus museum. Whether you’re looking to take a group or peruse the over 5,000 objects alone, there’s an experience for everyone.
Headley-Whitney Museum of Art, 4435 Old Frankfort Pike | $0-$10
Discover trinkets and bibelots (French for “small, ornate, decorative objects of beauty”), as well as vintage dollhouses + its rotation of touring exhibits. Don’t miss: enjoying a picnic in the surrounding gardens.
The LASC mobile planetarium is out of this world. | Photo courtesy of The Living Arts & Science Center
Science
The Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. | $0-$8
This living, breathing museum features rotating exhibits in the Marksbury Discovery Room, art galleries commemorating Lexington’s vibrant history, opportunities to meet animals, and the city’s only public planetarium. Don’t miss: The Kinkead Gallery — which is dedicated to abolitionist + lawyer George Kinkead, whose family inhabited the original house that is now the museum.
Aviation Museum of Kentucky, 4029 Airport Rd. | $0-$12
Kids will love exploring historic aircraft, including a recreation of a Wright Brothers-inspired plane and a WACO Biplane.
Kids
Lexington Children’s Museum, 440 W. Short St. | $8-$10
Formerly known as the Explorium, this interactive space features exhibits that will appeal to all kids, including those interested in architecture, STEM, health, and art. For children that aren’t so sure about their future, don’t fret, the Lexington Children’s Way will allow them to dabble in a variety of professions.
Equestrian
International Museum of the Horse, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. | $0-$22
Learn about our rich equestrian history, from the Black jockeys like Isaac Murphy that contributed to what racing looks like today, to the Arabian Horse gallery that chronicles the life of the prestigious breed. Don’t miss: Exploring the entirety of the Kentucky Horse Park grounds, which include an up-close look at horse training sessions, the campgrounds, and tours.
American Saddlebred Museum, 4083 Wing Commander Way, Ste. 150 | $0-$22
Also located within the Kentucky Horse Park, here you can learn all about the American Saddlebred horse through film, art, and its commemorative sidewalk.
