About Us
At the Speed, art opens minds, restores spirits, and strengthens community—inviting everyone to discover the power of creativity and connection.
your speed
Art is a gateway to new perspectives, possibilities, and connections—your Speed Art Museum is where that journey unfolds. A place of inspiration and restoration, the Speed invites you to pause, reflect, and engage with bold storytelling and immersive experiences that expand your world and enrich your life.
As Kentucky’s oldest, largest, and most distinguished art museum, the Speed Art Museum has been a cultural anchor for Louisville and the region since 1927. Committed to access, representation, and meaningful community connection, the Speed creates dynamic art experiences that spark curiosity, foster dialogue, and leave a lasting impact—both personal and shared.
The Speed’s encyclopedic collection spans centuries and continents, featuring strengths in ceramics, glass, decorative arts, and Dutch and Flemish Renaissance paintings, alongside a growing collection of contemporary works and the most comprehensive holdings of Kentucky artists. Through thought-provoking exhibitions, the Speed invites visitors to engage with historical and contemporary narratives, highlighting both celebrated and underrepresented artists.
Beyond its galleries, the Speed is a space for learning, gathering, and creative exploration. The interactive Art Sparks gallery fosters hands-on discovery for all ages, while artmaking and educational offerings provide opportunities for self-expression, learning and dialogue. The Speed Cinema offers a premier destination for a diverse range of cinematic experiences, while the Museum’s event spaces provide distinctive settings for private gatherings.
In fall 2025, the Speed unveiled a new, three-acre, sculpture-filled art park that is free for everyone. In 2027, the museum will celebrate its centennial, marking a century of bringing art and people together.
More than a museum, your Speed is a vibrant gathering place where art, history and community come together—sparking creativity and opening doors to new ideas, deeper understanding, and shared experiences that inspire and transform.
Learn more about the Speed’s commitment to belonging and our land acknowledgment recognizing the Indigenous peoples who originally stewarded this land.
Vision & Mission
We believe the joy and power of art and the creative process belong to all people. Our warm hospitality, inspiring spaces, and collective engagement diminish barriers—physical, financial and social. We prioritize equity, inclusion and access, and embrace these core values as central to our mission.
We activate our collections, exhibitions, programs, and spaces to tell compelling stories that reflect our communities, foster belonging, and spark thoughtful dialogue.
At the Speed Art Museum, we invite everyone to celebrate art forever.
History
Founded in 1927 by Hattie Bishop Speed as a tribute to her husband, James Breckenridge Speed, the Speed Art Museum began with a bold vision: to make art accessible to everyone. Designed by architect Arthur Loomis in the Beaux-Arts style, the original building opened its doors as Kentucky’s first art museum—and, today, is its largest and oldest. Over the decades, the Speed has grown in both scope and spirit, expanding its collection from ancient to contemporary art while strengthening its role as a place for discovery and connection.
“We very confidently believe that in the critical times through which we are now passing, the museum can make a distinct contribution to the stableness of living, the happiness, the peace and welfare of the community. It need scarcely be added that this is our sincere purpose, our desire and our prayer for the coming year.” — Hattie Bishop Speed, 1942
Governance
Speed Art Museum is governed by the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors.
Leadership
Chief Curator, Mary and Barry Bingham Sr. Curator of Painting and Sculpture
Erika Holmquist-Wall
Curators
Careers
Join the Speed Team!
We’re looking for passionate, creative, and dedicated individuals to help us bring art and community together and fulfill our mission “to invite everyone to celebrate art forever.” Whether you’re interested in curatorial work, education, special events, or facilities management, there’s a place for you here. We offer a variety of full-time, part-time, internship, and temporary roles and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
The Speed Art Museum prohibits discrimination in employment, programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference. The Speed Art Museum also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to museum facilities.
Financials
Annual Reports
2016 Annual Report2017 Annual Report2018 Annual Report2019 Annual Report2020 Annual Report2021 Annual Report2022 Annual Report2023 Annual ReportFinancial Reports
Speed Art Museum FY18 Financial ReportSpeed Art Museum FY19 Financial ReportSpeed Art Museum FY20 Financial ReportSpeed Art Museum FY21 Financial ReportSpeed Art Museum FY22 Financial ReportSpeed Art Museum FY23 Financial ReportForm 990
Speed Art Museum 2018 Form 990Speed Art Museum 2019 Form 990Speed Art Museum 2020 Form 990Speed Art Museum 2021 Form 990Speed Art Museum 2022 Form 990
Connect with the Speed
Whether you have a question, comment, or just want to learn more about the Speed Art Museum, our team is ready to hear from you. Let us know how we can help.
News Room
Stay up to date with the latest news from Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum.
Media inquiries, please contact marketing@speedmuseum.org.