Check the 21c Lexington calendar to explore events at the museum. | Photo by @asiseetheworld
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 10 museums to visit in our city.
Arts
21c Museum Hotel, 167 W. Main St. | Free
Stay the night or hop in for an evening at this museum within a hotel. Upon entry, you’ll be greeted with 7,000 sqft of exhibits from different mediums, including photography, paintings, and sculptures.
Headley-Whitney Museum of Art, 4435 Old Frankfort Pike | $0-$10
Discover trinkets and bibelots (French for “small, ornate, decorative object of beauty”), as well as vintage dollhouses.
Don’t miss: Strolling through the surrounding gardens or attending a yoga class within one of the space’s exhibits.
The Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. | Pay what you want
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.
Kids
The Explorium of Lexington, 440 W. Short St. | $8-$10
This interactive space includes exhibits that will appeal to all kids, including those interested in architecture, STEM, health, and physics. For children that aren’t so sure about their future, don’t fret, the Explorium Way will allow them to discover a variety of professions.
Get a crash course on all things horse country at the Kentucky Horse Park. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
Equestrian
International Museum of the Horse, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. | $6-$20
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 this breed.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
Daebak: Let’s Learn Korean with BTS | Monday, June 12 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Challenge yourself to this five-course Korean class by learning the basics of the language + exploring its culture.
Bluegrass Fair | Monday, June 12-Sunday, June 18 | Times vary | Masterson Station Park, 3051 Leestown Rd., Lexington | $8 | Embrace the summer vibes at the 62nd annual Bluegrass Fair, where you can enjoy classic fair foods and drinks+ a brand new sea lion exhibit.
Late Nights at Red Mile | Monday, June 12-Monday, Oct. 2 | 11 p.m. | Red Mile Gaming & Racing, 1101 Winbak Way, Lexington | Free | Don’t miss Late Night Breakfast with $5 food, late night drawings, live music + more.*
Tuesday, June 13
Tea Tuesday at Waveland | Tuesday, June 13 | 2-4 p.m. | Waveland State Historic Site, 225 Waveland Museum Ln., Lexington | $35 | Enjoy a special tea service with three tasty courses served by period-dressed interpreters, then take a stroll to explore the historic mansion.
Swing Fore the House Golf Scramble | Tuesday, June 13 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Champions at Keene Trace, 20 Ave. of Champions, Nicholasville | $600-$1,750 | Enjoy a day of golf, food, drinks, prizes, and more, all while knowing that your play is supporting Ronald McDonald House to keep families close to their sick children.*
Wednesday, June 14
Shamarr Allen (Indoor Show) | Wednesday, June 14 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $17 | You’ll think you’re on Bourbon Street when you hear the trumpet-led sounds of this New Orleans artist.
Just in time for summer, Never Too Much Creamery will open at 110 W. 6th St. Here, you can enjoy Instagram-worthy milkshakes adorned with unique toppings. Think: A banana pudding milkshake topped with vanilla wafers. We’ll keep you posted on an exact open date.
Sports
Transylvania women’s basketball team will visit the White House today following their undefeated season and gaining the Division III National Championship title. Watch the team be honored at 11:30 a.m. (LEX18)
Art
LexArts has received a $60,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The funding will go towards a new sculpture at Town Branch Park called “First Impressions” by Jason Klimoski. The new installation will use concrete to recreate an Ammonite fossil.
Health
With the help of federal funding, the Lexington Fire Department revealed it has purchased over 3,600 doses of Narcan. They will be distributed all over the county in the next two years to help combat the opioid crisis. (WKYT)
Edu
A summer of learning? Count us in. From film to yoga and technology, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Kentucky offers a variety of courses and activities for adults 50+. Register now for summer courses.*
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
How to make skincare more fun: the Marshmallow Whip Maker, which turns any cleanser into a fluffy, marshmallow-like foam that’s rich and creamy on the skin.*
Events
Dad jokes not included
Father’s Day experiences around Lexington
Nothing says “I love you, Dad” like hot dogs, beer, and fireworks after a Legends game in downtown Lexington. | Photo courtesy of The Lexington Legends
Whether they’re a bourbon drinker, a golf club swinger, or just wants to mow the lawn, there’s no shortage of things you + the father figure in your life can experience in town.
Pro tip: If you’re late to the planning game, send this article to your siblings to start the conversation.
Father’s Day Curated Bourbon Tasting Event | The Barrel Market, 4100 Nicholasville Rd. | $100 | Sit back and sip on four different rare bourbons with dad, snack on some charcuterie, and put your senses to the test.
Lexington Counter Clocks vs. Frederick ALPB | Counter Clocks Field, 207 Legends Ln. | $14-$65 | Take Dad out to the ballgame to root on the Counter Clocks during their Father’s Day Night.
I got to experience all my favorite fair pastimes over the weekend at the Bluegrass Fair, including eating funnel cake, sipping on hibiscus agua fresca from Panchito’s, and failing to win my niece a stuffed animal.
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