All person & artist museums to visit in Kentucky

Explore the lives and works of notable individuals at 26 museums in Kentucky dedicated to specific persons and artists. These museums offer a deep dive into their contributions and legacy.

Are you curious about the lives of remarkable individuals? Here are the top person and artist museums in Kentucky:

  1. Muhammad Ali Center1

    Muhammad Ali Center

     Louisville, KY
    The Muhammad Ali Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a non-profit museum and cultural center dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Founded in 2005 by Ali and his wife Lonnie Ali, the center serves as a tribute to the champion, showcasing his life, his career, and his ideals. Visitors can learn about Ali's journey, his achievements, and the values that guided him throughout his life.
  2. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park2

    Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

     Hodgenville, KY
    The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site in Hodgenville is a significant location that was established to honor the life and legacy of former President Abraham Lincoln. The site preserves two farms where Lincoln spent his formative years, providing visitors with a glimpse into the early life of one of America's most influential figures.
  3. General George Patton Museum3

    General George Patton Museum

     Fort Knox, KY
    The General George Patton Museum of Leadership, located in Fort Knox, Kentucky, is a public museum dedicated to the life and teachings of General George S. Patton, Jr. The museum also serves as an educational center for Junior Army leaders, particularly those in the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps. The museum is managed by the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Knox, and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command as part of the Center for Military History.
  4. Frazier History Museum4

    Frazier History Museum

     Louisville, KY
    The Frazier International History Museum, previously known as the Frazier Historical Arms Museum, is a unique destination for history enthusiasts. Located in the heart of Downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the museum specializes in the display of weapons and armor. It offers a unique perspective on history through the lens of military and personal defense artifacts.
  5. Old Fort Harrod State Park5

    Old Fort Harrod State Park

     Harrodsburg, KY
    Old Fort Harrod State Park, located in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, spans 15 acres and is home to a reconstruction of Fort Harrod. This fort holds historical significance as the first permanent American settlement in Kentucky. Visitors to the park can explore this reconstructed fort and gain a sense of the early American frontier life.
  6. Jefferson Davis State Historic Site6

    Jefferson Davis State Historic Site

     Pembroke, KY
    The Jefferson Davis Monument State Historic Site is a state park in Kentucky that commemorates the birthplace of Jefferson Davis, who served as the president of the Confederate States of America. The park is located in Fairview, Kentucky, and is a significant site for those interested in American history, particularly the Civil War era.
  7. My Old Kentucky Home7

    My Old Kentucky Home

     Bardstown, KY
    My Old Kentucky Home State Park, located in Bardstown, Kentucky, is a significant historical site. The park's main attraction is Federal Hill, a former plantation home that was owned by United States Senator John Rowan in 1795. This mansion served as a meeting place for local politicians and hosted several visiting dignitaries during the Rowan family's occupation.
  8. Vent Haven Museum8

    Vent Haven Museum

     Fort Mitchell, KY
    Vent Haven Museum is a unique institution dedicated to the art of ventriloquism. Located in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, it is just a short five-mile journey south of Cincinnati. This American museum houses an extensive collection of ventriloquial figures and memorabilia, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in this form of entertainment.
  9. Mary Todd Lincoln House9

    Mary Todd Lincoln House

     Lexington, KY
    The Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, holds historical significance as the childhood home of Mary Todd, who later became the first lady as the wife of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. This connection to one of the most influential figures in American history makes the house a point of interest for those interested in the life and times of the Lincoln family.
  10. Dr. Ephraim McDowell House10

    Dr. Ephraim McDowell House

     Danville, KY
    The Dr. Ephraim McDowell House, also known as McDowell House, is a significant historical site. It was the home of medical doctor Ephraim McDowell and was declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1966. The house is recognized for its role as the site of the world's first ovariotomy, which was performed without anesthesia by Dr. McDowell in 1809.
  11. White Hall State Historic Site11

    White Hall State Historic Site

     Richmond, KY
    White Hall State Historic Site is a significant location in Richmond, Kentucky, southeast of Lexington. The site spans across 14 acres, offering ample space for visitors to explore and appreciate the historical significance of the area.
  12. Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum12

    Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

     Owensboro, KY
    The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is located in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States. This museum is dedicated to the history and preservation of bluegrass music, offering a unique experience for music lovers. It is the only facility in the world that focuses solely on the international history of bluegrass music.
  13. Thomas Edison House13

    Thomas Edison House

     Louisville, KY
    The Thomas Edison House, a historic site located in the Butchertown neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the renowned inventor. This house, built around 1850, is believed to have been one of Edison's residences during his time in Louisville from 1866 to 1867. The house now serves as a museum, honoring Edison and his many inventions.
  14. Whitney Young Birthplace14

    Whitney Young Birthplace

     Simpsonville, KY
    The Whitney Young Birthplace and Museum is a significant historic site located on the grounds of the former Lincoln Institute in rural Shelby County, Kentucky, near Shelbyville. This house museum is a testament to the life and work of Whitney M. Young Jr., a prominent American civil rights leader. It offers visitors a chance to delve into the history of the civil rights movement and Young's contributions to it.
  15. Thomas Merton Center15

    Thomas Merton Center

     Louisville, KY
    The Thomas Merton Center, housing the largest collection of works by Thomas Merton, is situated on the second floor of the W.L. Lyons Brown Library at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are interested in exploring the life and works of Thomas Merton.
  16. Kentucky Museum16

    Kentucky Museum

     Bowling Green, KY
    The Kentucky Museum, situated at 1444 Kentucky Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky, is a hub for history, arts, and culture. It is conveniently located on the campus of Western Kentucky University, making it easily accessible for visitors.
  17. Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History17

    Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History

     Frankfort, KY
    The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), established in 1836, is a government agency that plays a crucial role in preserving Kentucky's rich history. It is responsible for recording and safeguarding important historical documents, buildings, and artifacts that reflect the state's past. As a visitor, you can explore the vast collection of historical items and gain a deeper understanding of Kentucky's heritage.
  18. Sander's Cafe and Museum18

    Sander's Cafe and Museum

     North Corbin, KY
    The Harland Sanders Café, located in North Corbin, Kentucky, is a historic restaurant that was operated by Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, from 1940 to 1956. This location is not just a restaurant, but a significant part of the KFC history, as it was here that Colonel Sanders developed the famous KFC secret recipe.
  19. U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum19

    U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum

     Paintsville, KY
    The U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum is situated in the city of Paintsville, in the state of Kentucky. This museum is dedicated to the country music entertainers who were born or lived near U.S. Route 23 in eastern Kentucky. It's a great place to learn about the rich history of country music in this region.
  20. Portland Museum20

    Portland Museum

     Louisville, KY
    The Portland Museum, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a neighborhood history and art museum. It provides a detailed account of the history of the Portland neighborhood, from its early days as an independent town in the 1800s to its amalgamation into Louisville following the construction of the Portland Canal.
  21. 21

    Kentucky Folk Art Center

     Morehead, KY
    The Kentucky Folk Art Center, located in Morehead, Kentucky, is a museum dedicated to folk art. It is managed by Morehead State University. The center's mission is to preserve and educate the public about visual Appalachian folk art.
  22. 22

    Lincoln Homestead State Park

     Springfield, KY
    Lincoln Homestead State Park is situated just north of Springfield, Kentucky in Washington County. The park spans 120 acres and is home to both historic buildings and reconstructions that are associated with Thomas Lincoln, the father of President Abraham Lincoln. These structures provide a glimpse into the life and times of the Lincoln family.
  23. 23

    Headley-Whitney Museum

     Lexington, KY
    The Headley-Whitney Museum is situated on the grounds of La Belle, a family farm in Lexington, Kentucky, where George William Headley III resided and worked. The museum houses a Jewel Room and Library, designed by Lexington architect Robert Pinkerton. These rooms are influenced by a variety of architectural styles and are filled with Headley's collection of natural curios, specimens, objects, and art, offering visitors a unique insight into his life and work.
  24. 24

    Bill Monroe Museum

     Rosine, KY
    The Bill Monroe Museum is unique in its dedication to the life and legacy of Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass music. Visitors can explore the early foundations of bluegrass music and gain a deeper understanding of its roots and evolution.
  25. 25

    The Rosemary Clooney House

     Augusta, KY
    The Rosemary Clooney Museum is situated in a historic house dating back to 1835. It is located on Riverside Drive, in the charming town of Augusta, Kentucky. This location offers a unique blend of history and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  26. 26

    Kentucky Coal Museum

     Benham, KY
    The Kentucky Coal Museum, located in Benham, Kentucky, is a heritage center that provides a deep dive into the history of the coal industry in Eastern Kentucky. The museum is housed in a former company store built by International Harvester in 1923, adding to its historical significance. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the coal industry's impact on the region and the lives of the miners and their families.