Kentucky Museum

(270) 745-2592
1444 Kentucky Street | Bowling Green, KY 42101
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Current hours: Wed.-Sat., 9am to 4pm; Closed major holidays and University breaks

If you think the Bluegrass state is only horses and bourbon, then step into this 80,000 sq. ft. museum celebrating all aspects of South-Central Kentucky’s art, history, and culture. Current exhibits focus on issues such as women's role in politics, "Crazy Quilt Mania", the art and science of Mammoth Cave, and the freshman year experience on campus. There's even a striking art installation in the courtyard produced by visiting artists from the HAD Collective in addition to the new Jonesville mural inside the museum's lobby. Explore some sweet history in the “Recommended by Duncan Hines” exhibit and follow the career of the Bowling Green native from traveling salesman to esteemed restaurant critic to cake-mix king. Other exhibits include The Snell-Franklin Decorative Arts Gallery featuring decorative arts from Egyptian - 1970s, the world-renowned collection in the Elizabeth Richardson Quilt Gallery, and the 1810 Felts Log House is also featured on the property. Note: Face masks are required at all times on the free, self-guided tour. There is currently no admission fee to the museum for individuals and families! You can support the Museum through donations or purchase an item through the online shop at Redbubble (https://www.redbubble.com/people/KentuckyMuseum/explore). Group rates still apply for docent-led tours and activities. Additionally, there is meeting space available for rent in the Charles Hardcastle Kentucky Building. “Kentuckians need to know Kentucky” was the museum’s earliest conceptual framework, which took shape in the eyes of WKU’s founding president Henry Hardin Cherry. Today, after more than 80 years, it is a steadfast educational campus partner helping to inspire innovation, elevate community, and transform the lives of WKU students and the community.

General

General

  • Meeting Space on-site:
  • Free Activities:
Mar22

Celebration of the...

March 3 - April 14, 2023

View the 2023 Celebration of the Arts exhibit sponsored by Abound Credit Union to see works by the... Read More

Mar22

Crazy Quilt Mania

April 27 - June 30, 2023

In the late 1800s, stitchery from London's Royal School of Art needlework and Japanese arts and... Read More

Mar22

First Farmers of the...

September 8 - June 29, 2024

This exhibition highlights diverse aspects of pre-contact Native American farm life in the Barren... Read More

Mar22

What Happened to...

October 26 - December 15, 2023

What Happened to Jonesville? Jonesville was a vibrant African American community in Bowling Green... Read More

Mar23

Folk Studies 50th...

September 15 - March 23, 2023

Celebrating 50 years of the Folk Studies Graduate Program at WKU, the Department of Folk Studies and... Read More

Mar25

Herstory@WKU

March 25, 2023

Drop in anytime 12-4PM for an exciting afternoon of free girl empowerment activities! A completely... Read More

Sep1

Stitches in Time

September 1 - December 27, 2024

Showcasing thirty of the finest quilts in the Kentucky Museum collection, Stitches in Time includes... Read More