Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa.

Is there a coat check?
Lockers are available in addition to a unstaffed coatroom. Coats and large bags should be checked in order to protect the artwork.

Is there a place to eat?
There are several picnic tables located outside the Hadley Door (entrance opposite the parking garage). Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries, but there are a number of dining options located close to the Museum. Click here for suggested places to eat.

How do I obtain a list of hotels?
For a list of Louisville hotels, please click on the following link
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-191501937-louisville_hotels-i

May I use my cell phone at the museum?
Yes, but reception within the museum is sporadic. Please be considerate so as not to disturb other museum patrons.

Are strollers permitted?
Yes. The museum also has several strollers available for complimentary visitor usage.

What is Art Sparks?
Art Sparks is an award winning, interactive gallery for children and families to explore and create art through exciting activities and installations. Art Sparks also has many special family days with fun-filled events and summer art sessions for children. Check Family Programs on our on-line calendar for updates and sign up for email blasts, so you don’t miss out! For information, please call 502.634.2700.

How do I schedule a school or group tour?
For tours, please call 502.634.2960.

Are there benefits to becoming a museum member?
Absolutely! Members receive free admission and significant discounts over the general public for must-see exhibitions, concerts, Art Sparks family interactive gallery, a subsription to the award winning Members Magazine, and the latenite event that’s all the buzz – Art After Dark! For information, please call 502.634.2700 or click here for details.

Is the museum part of the University of Louisville?
The Speed Art Museum is a non-profit arts institution located adjacent to the University of Louisville Belknap campus. The museum is not directly affiliated with the university, though we have several partnerships with lectures and concerts throughout the year. The museum is a great resource for university students and offers student internships. All U of L students, faculty and staff with a valid university I.D. receive a complimentary museum membership.

Why is it called The Speed Art Museum?
The Speed was the vision of founder Hattie Bishop Speed, a great supporter of all arts, in memory of her husband James Breckinridge Speed. The museum opened in 1927.

Will the museum’s curators appraise art from private collections?
The museum’s curators do not appraise or estimate the value of art from private collections. Their role is to care for and exhibit the museum’s art collection and offer special traveling exhibitions. Local art dealers are a more appropriate resource for appraisals. A list of appraisers is available by calling the museum at 502.634.2700.

What is the museum’s policy concerning photography and sketching in the galleries?
You are welcome to photograph and videotape in the permanent collection galleries, but lights or tripods are not permitted. Photography of temporary exhibitions, works on loan, works created after 1978, or works by living artists is not permitted. A free Camera Permit tag is available at the Member and Visitor Services Desk. You are welcome to sketch with dry media. Copyists working with wet media should make arrangements in advance by calling 502.634.2700. Sketching and copying are not permitted of temporary exhibitions, works on loan, works by living artists, or works created after 1978. Individuals sketching should remain a minimum of five feet away from artwork. The only media allowed for sketching are pencil, conte crayon, and colored pencils. The following drawing media are not permitted: charcoal, oil pastel, felt-tip markers, pastels, ink, fountain pens, fixatives, and sprays of any type.

How does the Speed Art Museum comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The Speed Art Museum welcomes people with special needs. The museum’s parking, building, and galleries are accessible to persons with disabilities. Designated parking for persons with disabilities is available in the parking garage . The museum entrance nearest the parking garage is accessible to persons with disabilities. Elevators are located on all three levels of the museum. Wheelchairs are available at no cost. Staff members at the Visitor Welcome Center may assist with wheelchair pick-up. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. TTD telephone access is available at 502.634.2706.