This website and our galleries reveal that much is happening at The Speed Art Museum. As the leading visual arts venue in the state of Kentucky, the Speed offers a wide variety of experiences ranging from galleries of great art, exciting special exhibitions, engagement with living artists, activities for children and families, and much, much more. Become a member and experience it all!

While you enjoy the Speed of today, you will glimpse the Museum of tomorrow. I have come to think of our vision for the future as “The Distillation of Excellence.” Our goal is not to be the largest or richest museum in the country, but rather one of the finest in terms of your experience here. To that end we are thinking hard about how best to build and present our collection to provide the most powerful and stimulating visual experience possible.

At the same time, we are working hard to transform the physical nature of the Speed. We have chosen to remain on our site adjacent to the University of Louisville and to preserve green space, rather than move downtown or cover our property with structures. We believe we have selected architects who understand that our buildings and landscape are not the goals themselves, but rather are vehicles for enhancing the experience of viewing great art. Our mantra is thoughtfulness over excess, quality over quantity.

So as you explore the Speed, through the website and in person, you will notice the beginnings of a great transformation. The public, and especially our members, are vital to the success of this effort and I want to personally thank you for your continued support of this great Museum.

Sincerely,

Charles L .Venable, Ph.D.
Director and CEO