The best museums in Louisville in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Louisville, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Louisville, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Louisville.

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Looking for the best museums in Louisville? These are the best ones:

  1. Louisville Slugger Museum & Bat Factory1

    Louisville Slugger Museum & Bat Factory

     Louisville, KY
    The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a key attraction in Louisville, Kentucky. It is conveniently located in the city's 'Museum Row', which is part of the West Main District of downtown. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city's cultural and historical sites.
  2. Muhammad Ali Center2

    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.
  3. Kentucky Derby Museum3

    Kentucky Derby Museum

     Louisville, KY
    The Kentucky Derby Museum, situated on the grounds of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is a museum dedicated to American Thoroughbred horse racing. It provides an immersive experience into the world of horse racing, offering a unique insight into the history and culture of the sport.
  4. Speed Art Museum4

    Speed Art Museum

     Louisville, KY
    The Speed Art Museum, colloquially known as The Speed, holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest art museum in the state of Kentucky. It is conveniently located in the city of Louisville, in close proximity to the Belknap campus of the University of Louisville. This makes it an easily accessible destination for tourists visiting the city.
  5. Louisville Zoo5

    Louisville Zoo

     Louisville, KY
    The Louisville Zoological Garden, often simply referred to as the Louisville Zoo, is a state zoo located in the city of Louisville, Kentucky. It was opened in 1969 and is operated as a non-profit organization. The zoo is dedicated to improving the bond between people and our planet, striving for a leadership role in nature conservation education.
  6. Frazier History Museum6

    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.
  7. Historic Locust Grove7

    Historic Locust Grove

     Louisville, KY
    Historic Locust Grove, located in eastern Jefferson County, Kentucky, is a 55-acre site that was once an 18th-century farm. Today, it stands as a National Historic Landmark in the city of Louisville. The site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle and architecture of the 18th century.
  8. Farmington8

    Farmington

     Louisville, KY
    The plantation house at Farmington is a 14-room, Federal-style brick structure. It is believed to have been based on a design by Thomas Jefferson, and it showcases several Jeffersonian architectural features. Visitors can appreciate the historical architecture and the influence of Thomas Jefferson in its design.
  9. Riverside - the Farnsley-Moremen Landing9

    Riverside - the Farnsley-Moremen Landing

     Louisville, KY
    Riverside, The Farnsley–Moremen Landing is a historic site located in the southern end of Louisville, Kentucky. It is a 300-acre farm and house that sits along the banks of the Ohio River. The house is a red brick I-house with a two-story Greek Revival. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 under the name Farnsley-Moremen House. This site offers a glimpse into the past and is a significant part of the region's history.
  10. KMAC Contemporary Art Museum10

    KMAC Contemporary Art Museum

     Louisville, KY
    The KMAC Contemporary Art Museum is an American art museum situated in the West Main District of downtown Louisville, Kentucky. This location is central and easily accessible, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  11. Thomas Edison House11

    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.
  12. Ronald–Brennan House12

    Ronald–Brennan House

     Louisville, KY
    The Ronald–Brennan House, also known as the Brennan House, is a historic Italianate townhouse situated in the heart of Downtown Louisville, Kentucky. This architectural gem has been recognized for its historical significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was built in 1868 and has been preserved to maintain its original charm and elegance.
  13. Thomas Merton Center13

    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.
  14. 14

    Kentucky Science Center

     Louisville, KY
    The Kentucky Science Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is the state's largest science museum. It was previously known as the Louisville Museum of Natural History & Science and then Louisville Science Center. The museum is a significant part of the city's 'Museum Row' in the West Main District of downtown Louisville.
  15. Portland Museum15

    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.
  16. Louisville WaterWorks Museum16

    Louisville WaterWorks Museum

     Louisville, KY
    The Louisville Water Tower, situated to the east of downtown Louisville, Kentucky near the riverfront, holds the distinction of being the oldest ornamental water tower in the world. This historical landmark predates even the more famous Chicago Water Tower. Its unique architecture and historical significance make it a noteworthy site for visitors to the city.
  17. Museum of the American Printing House For the Blind17

    Museum of the American Printing House For the Blind

     Louisville, KY
    The Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind, which opened its doors in 1994, is situated in Louisville, Kentucky. This museum is dedicated to narrating the international history of the education of the blind and the significant role the American Printing House for the Blind has played in this history.
  18. Little Loomhouse18

    Little Loomhouse

     Louisville, KY
  19. Colonel Sanders Museum19

    Colonel Sanders Museum

     Louisville, KY
  20. 20

    Gheens Science Hall & Rauch Planetarium

     Louisville, KY

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