Downtown Lexington Attractions and Landmarks

Are you looking for things to do and see?  Downtown Lexington is rich with history and artistic expression.  In addition to the events listed on our Downtown Event Calendar, there are several places open regularly to take in a bit of Downtown Lexington's historic architecture and culture.  For art enthusiasts, there's no shortage of art galleries in the Downtown area, many within walking distance of each other.  Don't forget the kids - there's fun stuff for them Downtown, too!

ONGOING DOWNTOWN ACTIVITIES

Artist's Market

Artist's Market is Downtown Lexington's only regularly-occurring art and craft market.  Produced by the Downtown Lexington Corporation, this seasonal event takes place every Saturday in June, July and August from 8am to 2pm.  This is a small, informal arts and crafts market that includes works from local artists, young artists, emerging adult artists and challenged artists. All items being sold by artists are hand-crafted or hand-embellished items.  No resale items are allowed at this market.  Artist registration is open throughout the summer and varies weekly, so each week presents a different combination of artists!  

Artist's Market is located in the plaza of the Lexington Financial Center (the big blue building) on Main Street across from Cheapside Park, the home of the Farmer's Market.  Parking is available at the surrounding street-metered spots or in the parking structure of the big blue building.  This is a rain or shine event.

For more event details, visit the Artist Market's webpage or contact the Downtown Lexington Corporation at 859-425-2593.

Central Bank Thursday Night Live

Downtown Lexington bursts alive with activity every Thursday evening, May  through October with the Central Bank Thursday Night Live concert series.  Held in Cheapside Park from 4:30pm - 9pm, this free public concert-in-the-park features a different local band each week and boasts special events such as the annual Doggie Costume Contest, benefiting a local animal rescue organization, and themed nights.  Also available each week are beverages, food from local restaurants, and free kids' activities.  There is no admission charge to come and listen to the bands play -  food and beverages are available for purchase on a cash basis.

Thursday Night live is produced by the Downtown Lexington Corporation.  For full details about Thursday Night Live, view the Thursday Night Live webpage or call 859-425-2590.

Lexington Farmer's Market

Find fresh food grown by local farms at the Lexington Farmer's Market, which operates at five different locations and is open year-round. The Farmer's Market also produces special events such as the Lexington Farmer's Market Farm Tour, which occurs in June of each year and takes participants on a tour of farms surrounding the Lexington area to see first-hand how local food is grown. 

April through November, the main market is located in Downtown Lexington at Cheapside Park, on Saturdays, 7am - 3pm.  This market is a full-service market, including produce, flowers, honey and some other products such as wine.  Events at the market are always fun. Local chefs are brought in to demonstrate great dishes that you can make from fresh items.  Music and performances are also included with some of the finest street musicians and performers in the area.  Even the kids will enjoy one of our many education sessions throughout the season.

Other markets held in the Lexington area during the warm season include:

• Downtown Market located at the corner of South Broadway Ave. and Maxwell St. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7am - 4pm or until sold out.
• The Mall at Lexington Green, Wednesdays 4pm - 7pm.
• Southland Drive near Slones' Market, Sundays 10am - 2pm.

Each November to April, the Lexington Farmer's Market moves indoors to the Victorian Square Shoppes on Saturday mornings.  For more information about the Lexington Farmer's Market, including maps to all locations, visit www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.com. 

HISTORIC SITES & MUSEUMS

African American Heritage Trail

The "African American Heritage Trail in Downtown Lexington, Kentucky" symbolizes a historic passageway from the site of a 19th century slave auction block at "Cheapside" to freedom represented by the Urban League headquarters at 148 Deweese Street. Along the route, African Americans contributed immensely to the rich cultural heritage of the city. Many of their architectural landmarks and historic properties, including cemeteries, may be found throughout the city and in the once rural hamlets of Fayette county.  Source: Doris Wilkinson "A Guide to the African American Heritage in Downtown Lexington, Kentucky." Copyright 2000

Complete information including map and details about each point of interest on the trail is available from the Lexington Convention and Visitor's Bureau.  For more details, call 800-845-3959 or visit www.visitlex.com. 

Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate

The magnificent two-story brick house is the centerpiece of the Henry Clay estate. Its status as a National Historic Landmark reflects the prominence of the great statesman who developed this beautiful property and resided here for more than forty years.

In 1804 Henry Clay acquired the first 125 acres of what would become the Ashland estate. Later that year the central section of the house was built. The wings, designed by Benjamin Latrobe, were added by Clay in 1813-1815. The house became the focal point of the 600 acre Bluegrass farm. Henry Clay christened the farm "Ash Land" due to the great number of majestic ash trees that stood on the property.

Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate has undergone several changes since it was first developed by Henry Clay. Today the estate includes the main house, outbuildings, and a formal garden situated on a twenty-acre lot.  The mansion stands on the site of the original Ashland, home of Henry Clay from 1806 to 1852. The present Italianate style house was completed by Clay’s son James in 1857. The interior was remodeled in the Victorian style by Anne Clay McDowell, one of Clay’s granddaughters, in the 1880s.

The museum is open to the public for tours every March thru December, and is closed January and February. For more information, contact the Henry Clay Estate at 859-266-8581 or visit www.henryclay.org.

Bodley-Bullock House

The Bodley-Bullock House is one of the most prominent and stately mansions in the Bluegrass region. The home was built circa 1814 for Lexington Mayor Thomas Pindell. The home has many unusual architectural features and is very similar in design to the Hunt-Morgan House. Originally constructed as a Federal style residence, numerous additions and alterations during the 19th century resulted in a house that is more characteristic of the Greek Revival period.

During the Civil War the house served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces during the occupation of the city by both factions. After the war, the house was owned by a series of owners including the Bullock family who purchased it in 1912. Dr. Waller Bullock was an accomplished sculptor as well as the founder of the Lexington Clinic. His wife, Minnie Bullock, was the founder of the Garden Club of Lexington and an avid gardener. Following Mrs. Bullock's death in 1970 the Junior League of Lexington leased the home from the Bullock estate for the sum of $1 a year.

Now a house museum, it is open for tours by appointment year-round, except on holidays.  To schedule an appointment or for further information call 859-259-1266 or visit www.nps.gov/history/NR/travel/lexington/bod.htm.

The Breakers

Nestled among a quaint neighborhood, not far from the University of Kentucky, lies one of Lexington's best kept secrets.   The former residence of John Regis Tuska (1931-1998), Kentucky artist and art educator, The Breakers, as his wife named the house, holds the permanent collection of Tuska's work.  Among a life-spanning collection of masterfully crafted art, from nearly all imaginable media, his son Seth Tuska tries in earnest to memorialize his father's legacy in Kentucky and nationwide.

Tuska (see 2005 Kentucky stars winners), as he liked to be called, spent 30 years teaching ceramics, drawing and sculpture at the University of Kentucky, but is remembered as much for his love of life as he is for his creative art. "Non basta una vita," meaning 'One life is not enough,' became Tuska's mantra during his time spent in Italy learning the art of bronze casting.

By appointment, anyone can walk the halls of this philosopher-artist's former residence and absorb his infatuation with the process, not the destination, of artistic creation and living. Featured works include bronze sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, paper cuts and casts, collage, and more. The House is also available for private functions such as private parties, dinners, weddings and receptions.  Call the studio at 859-255-1379 to set up an appointment for viewing.

The Tuska Studio Fine Art Foundry and Metal Works is a full-service commercial bronze casting foundry and metal shop at 248 Walton Avenue. The foundry molds and casts works for other artists and teaches the art of bronze casting, and tours and demonstrations are offered to the public. In addition to bronze casting, it is the home of the healing and wellness studio, in which the spirit of Tuska's work breathes life into commercial wares. Illumine, Tuska's life project on the façade of the University of Kentucky's fine arts building, is being marketed with other figures representing the visual aspect of one's own energy source for self-healing and wellness. Call the Fine Art Studio at (859) 255-0782 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

The Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning

Lexington’s two-story, Bedford stone, Classical-Revival structure was erected for a total cost of $75,000 and opened to the public in 1905. The Carnegie building served the Lexington Public Library until 1989, when the library opened in larger quarters at Limestone and Main. At that time, a local committee, chaired by Robert F. Sexton, was appointed to recommend a new use for the building; the committee recommended that the best use for the original building was a community literacy and learning center.

Today, the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning offers the public a full spectrum of reading, writing, foreign language, and computer literacy workshops, youth and family programs, community readings, literary events, art exhibits, and more. The building continues to be a hub of literacy and learning activity in downtown Lexington.

For more information, contact the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning at 859-254-4175 or visit www.carnegieliteracy.org.

Guided Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Lexington

Learn about the history of Downtown Lexington as reflected in its historic commercial buildings, churches and homes.  Tour includes Victorian Square, Lexington Opera House, Lexington History Museum, Henry Clay's Law Office, Cheapside Park, Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, Patterson Cabin, Transylvania University and the Homes of Gratz Park.  Walk with history!

Tours are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10am, and by appointment, year round (weather permitting), and last approximately 90 minutes.  $15 per adult and $8 per child.  Reservations are required for all tours.  Tour begins and ends at Starbucks cafe, on the corner of Broadway Ave. and Main St.  

A portion of the tour fee will be donated to the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, an organization that promotes education and advocacy of preservation of the historic build environment in Lexington and surrounding counties. 

For more information or to make reservations, call 859-321-5897 or visit www.lexwalkingtour.com

The Hunt-Morgan House

In the midst of Lexington’s historic antebellum Gratz Park, the Hunt-Morgan House stands as a reminder of early 19th century life, when Lexington was known as The Athens of the West.

Built in 1814, the Federal style Hunt-Morgan House has many beautiful architectural features, including the Palladian window with fan and sidelights that grace its front façade. In 1955, the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation was formed to save the home from impending demolition. The organization restored the home to its Federal appearance and now operates the house as a museum.

The Hunt-Morgan family of Central Kentucky ranks as of the regions most historic, producing the fist millionaire west of the Alleghenies, A civil war brigadier general and Kentucky’s first Nobel Prize Winner.

The museum’s collection of early Kentucky furniture, antique porcelain and 19th century paintings captures the elegance of the Hunt and Morgan families. The rooms are furnished with articles of the period as well as those owned by the family. The Alexander T. Hunt Civil War Museum, located on the second floor of the Hunt-Morgan House, features an extensive collection of Civil War relics and memorabilia

The House and Gift Shop are open for guided tours from mid-April through mid-November, tours begin on the hour and generally last 45 minutes. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students, $6 for senior citizens and AAA members. Advanced reservations are required for special group tours. For more information, contact the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation at 859-253-0362 or visitwww.bluegrasstrust.org.

The Kentucky Theatre

The oldest and only operating movie theatre in Downtown Lexington, The Kentucky Theatre is a familiar Landmark to generations of Lexingtonians. It's richly ornamented walls and glowing stained glass fixtures have hosted gala events and entertained overflowing crowds since the 1920's. They have also endured hard times and disasters, both natural and manmade. And so it stands today, a true palace of memories, a hall full of comedy, tragedy, drama, adventure, and just plain fun.

Built and opened in 1922, the luxury, comfort, and elegance of hand painted murals, plush carpeting, indirect lighting, marble floors, and a "modern ventilation system" were among the features promoted to compete with other larger and already well-established theaters in town.  Throughout most of the 20's the theater's program changed twice weekly, and return engagements were rare.  In a major marketing coup, the Kentucky was the first to introduce Warner Brothers' vitaphone sound films to Lexington in 1927.  With the success of the Kentucky, the Lafayette Amusement Company opened a second theater right next door in 1929. The 950 seat State Theatre, with a 200 seat balcony, was decorated in an "old Spain" motif.  It's second-run features and lower ticket prices allowed it to complement rather than compete with the Kentucky.

In 1979, The Kentucky was one of a handful of theaters across the country to begin experimenting with a repertory format, showing many different films each week on a rotating basis. Classics, foreign hits and art films helped cultivate loyal patrons.  And in the 1980's the ever-popular midnight shows were introduced.

Today, the Kentucky Theatre is popular not only for it's convenient location but for it's magnificent architectural significance.  Multiple movie titles are shown weekly, along with midnight showings on the weekends of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and other classics.  During the summer, the Kentucky Theatre hosts a series of classic movies shown weekly at discount prices.

For a complete history and photo gallery, show listings and ticket prices, contact the Kentucky theatre at 859-231-7924 or visitwww.kentuckytheatre.com.

Lexington Cemetery

The Lexington Cemetery is a private non-profit organization established in 1849 as a public cemetery and a place of beauty to enjoy. It has no association with any government and is administered by a board of directors. It is a historical landmark that documents the social, political, military and environmental history of the community. Encompassing 170 acres, it is comprised of a national and public cemetery with over 66,000 interments. It will accommodate interments for the next 100 years.

With over 170 acres of land, The Lexington Cemetery has over 200 species of trees including dogwoods, color crab apples, ornamental magnolias and pink weeping cherries. Throughout the season, cemetery visitors can find beautiful gardens of annuals and perennials.

The Lexington Cemetery is more than a place of serenity for those buried there. It is a community memorial grounds that celebrates life in a park-like setting. In spring, an avenue of dogwoods, color crab apples, ornamental magnolias and pink weeping cherries lead to 16,000 blooming tulips and fields of spring beauties. This cemetery is a 170 acre national arboretum with more than 200 species of trees. A mecca for birds, the Audubon Society has identified 179 species on the grounds.

During the year, special events are conducted to foster an appreciation of this community asset, including Easter Sunrise services, a Memorial Day Observance, as well as horticultural, historical, cultural and aftercare programs.

For more information, contact the Lexington Cemetery at 859-255-5522 or visit www.lexcem.org.

The Lexington History Center

The Lexington History Center is the location of four museums: the Lexington Public Safety Museum presents the history of Lexington's first responders; the Isaac Scott Hathaway Museum honors the memory of Lexington's native son -- the only American sculptor to design two U.S. Mint commemorative medallions; the Kentucky Renaissance Pharmacy Museum that records the history of the area's drug stores, and the Lexington History Museum.

The Lexington History Museum features several exhibits describing the community's unique heritage, including the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibit "Lincoln and His Wife's Hometown", "The Keeneland Legacy", "Lexington: Athens of the West", and "In Black & White: A Photographic Perspective of the African-American Community in the 20th Century". The Museum also features the Original 1900 Courtroom, as well as portraits of former mayors and judges.

The Museum Center is open Sunday - Friday, Noon - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm. For more information, call 859-254-0530 or visitwww.LexingtonHistoryMuseum.org.

The Lexington Opera House

The "new" Opera House was constructed in 1886 after a fire destroyed the original theatre located on the corner of Main and Broadway. Designed by Oscar Cobb, the Lexington Opera House opened its doors on July 19, 1887 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most well-designed and well-equipped theatres in the nation. From its opening until the last stage performance, the Opera House played host to the most famous stage personalities of the time, including Al Jolson, W.C. Fields, Will Rogers, Harry Houdini and many others. The theatre is an outstanding example of Lexington’s early prominence in the arts and helped garner the city’s reputation as “the Athens of the West.”

After its last live performance on October 1, 1926, the Opera House began a long history of use as a movie theatre. A false ceiling was installed in 1930 concealing the second balcony, which was abandoned. Over time, the theatre fell into disrepair and was scheduled for demolition in the early 1970s.  Purchased by the city as part of the Lexington Center, with financial aid provided by The Opera House Fund, Inc., this historic structure was saved from the wrecking ball, and reconstruction and renovation began in 1975.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lexington Opera House is known to be one of the premiere performing arts centers in the region. Indeed, its current utilization is perhaps the greatest in its history.  For more information about the history of the Lexington Opera House, visit http://www.nps.gov/history/NR/travel/lexington/lop.htm or www.lexingtonoperahouse.com.

The Lexington Opera House is not open for public tours, but the interior may be viewed during the attendance of any public performance.  Otherwise, a walk-up or drive-by view of the exterior may be done at any time by visitors.  The Opera House is located at401 West Short St., at the corner of Broadway Ave. and Short St. in Downtown Lexington.  Photos of the Opera House interior may be viewed at www.lexingtoncenter.com/aboutLCC/.

For more information about performances at the Lexington Opera House, contact the Lexington Center at 859-233-4567 or visitwww.lexingtonoperahouse.com.

Mary Todd Lincoln House

The Mary Todd Lincoln House, standing gracefully on West Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky was the family home of the future wife of the 16th President. In 1977, the girlhood home opened to the public and became the first house museum in America to honor a First Lady. 

Originally built between 1803-1806, this two-story brick, late Georgian house with its stone water table and belt course was built  to serve as an inn by William Palmateer.  The property became the home of politician and businessman, Robert S. Todd in 1832.  Daughter Mary Todd, born in December1818, resided here until she moved to Springfield, Illinois in 1839 to live with her elder sister. There she met and married Abraham Lincoln, whom she brought to visit this home in the fall of 1847.

The Todd family resided here until Mr. Todd’s death in an 1849 cholera epidemic. Due to a discrepancy in his will a public auction was forced resulting in the sale of the house and its entire contents. From this sale a copy of an inventory list was obtained and used in selecting the antiques to place in the house when it was restored.

Today, the 14 room house contains period furniture, family portraits and furnishings from the Todds as well as the Lincolns. The original property also contained separate slave quarters, outdoor kitchen, wash house, smoke house, and stables with a carriage house. Unfortunately, no evidence of the outbuildings remain. A recently added garden reflects the charm of the original and offers a pleasant respite for visitors.

The Mary Todd Lincoln house is located at 578 West Main Street in Downtown Lexington. The museum is open to the public for tours from Presidents' Day each February thru November 30.  Group and private tours are available by appointment throughout the winter.  For more information, contact the Mary Todd Lincoln House at 859-233-9999 or visit www.mtlhouse.org.

The Pope Villa

In 1810-11, architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed for Senator John and Eliza Pope an exceptional suburban villa at Lexington, Kentucky.

The Pope Villa is Latrobe’s best surviving domestic design. Its plan is unique in American residential architecture: a perfect square, with a domed, circular rotunda in the center of the second story. Latrobe drew inspiration from 16thcentury Italian architect Andrea Palladio, but unlike Palladio’s villas, the cubic mass of the Pope Villa conceals within itself a surprising sequence of rectilinear and curvilinear rooms, dramatically splashed with light and shadow. Latrobe called these interior effects “scenery”; they reflect his reliance on the compositional principles of 18th century Picturesque landscape design. Latrobe’s fusion of classical sources and Picturesque theory places the Pope Villa among the most important buildings of Federal America.

The Villa is situated in the Aylesford Historic District, which has a mixture of turn of the 19th Century Victorian, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival homes.

This building is currently in the process of being restored and is not generally open for public tours, however private tours may be arranged by appointment only.  To view the building's exterior in person, visit the B.H. Latrobe Pope Villa at 326 Grosvenor Ave. in Lexington, Kentucky. For photos of the Villa's interior and for more information about the building, or about arranging a private tour, contact the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation at 859-253-0362 or visit www.bluegrasstrust.org.

Victorian Square Shoppes

Victorian Square has been at the heart of Lexington’s downtown since the 1880’s. The block of sixteen buildings has housed, among other things, saloons, hotels, restaurants and an opera house. In 1985 a modern renovation brought them all together under one roof, creating an airy and accessible space that is best observed from the central courtyard. The decorative metal ceilings, ironwork and exterior balconies from these establishments have been preserved wherever possible. The result is a perfect blend of historical architecture and modern comfort that is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.  For more information on the history of Victorian Square, visit http://www.nps.gov/history/NR/travel/lexington/vic.htm.

Victorian Square is home to some of Downtown Lexington's most unique retail stores and restaurants, with many of the shops offering one-of-a-kind goods, hand-made by local artists.  From elegant formal gowns, to sports memorabilia, from works of art to custom jewelry, from children's activities and entertainment, to sports bars and restaurants, there is something here for everyone. 

Additionally, the Victorian Square has the added advantage of being included in the network of Downtown Pedways that connects several building in the central Downtown Lexington area.  By means of the Pedway system, visitors have access to Victorian Square from several different Downtown locations without ever having to cross a busy street, and with shelter in rainy or cold weather.

For more information about Victorian Square and a complete list of resident businesses, contact Victorian Square Shoppes at 859.252.7575 or visit www.victoriansquareshoppes.com.

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ART GALLERIES

Art at the Cathedral

Art at the Cathedral is a voluntary committee made up of art lovers within the church and community. Their goal is to provide ‘sacred space’ for artists who feel that visual art is one of their modes of spirituality. Artists of many different faiths participate in the exhibits.  Exhibits are comprised of works by local artists and change seasonally.

The Galley is open to the public and is located at 166 Market Street in Lexington.  Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30am - 3:30pm and Sunday 8am - 12:30pm.      

For more information about exhibits, contact the Christ Church Cathedral at 859-296-3194 or visitwww.ccclex.org. 

Artist's Attic

Since 1988 the Artist's Attic has provided a unique artistic contribution to the Lexington community with its large space that functions as both multiple artist studios and a main exhibition gallery. The 21 working studios are rented by independent artists and the studio doors are left open, allowing the public access to the artists for observation and interaction.

Artist's Attic is proud to be a supportive environment for local artists. Guests are welcome to visit the main gallery, centrally located in Downtown Lexington on the 4th floor of the beautiful Victorian Square Shopping Center, next to the Pedway to the Lexington Center. At the corner of Broadway and Main Streets, Victorian Square overlooks Triangle Park and is easily accessible from the Civic Center, Rupp Arena, the Festival Market Building and the Hyatt and Radisson Hotels.

Main Gallery hours are Monday thru Saturday, 10am - 4pm; admission is free.  For more information, contact the Artist's Attic at 859-254-5501 or visit www.artists-attic.org.

ArtsPlace

Information coming soon

Central Public Library Gallery

Located on the first floor of the Central Library on Main Street, the Central Library Gallery includes exhibits ranging from fine art to educational subject matter. Six to seven exhibits are scheduled each year, typically lasting six to eight weeks in length. Exhibits have included local, national and international artists. Central Library Gallery hours are Sunday, 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. For more information, call 859-231-5559 or visit www.lexpublib.org 

Cerlan Gallery

Information coming soon

Cross Gate Gallery

In 1974, Greg Ladd opened Cross Gate Gallery in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, the Horse capital of the world.  Specializing in Equine-related Sporting Art, the gallery operated for twenty-three years at its original High Street location, before moving in February 1998 to its present home at 509 East Main Street.

The 11,000 square foot Greek Revival building built in 1901 has become the perfect setting for housing the gallery's broad range of quality artwork.  "I was lucky enough to find a profession right out of school that I love. I think the secret to success in any business, is first of all loving what you are doing, and secondly, satisfying your customers. I have a good eye, and I think most of our customers realize that. We try to show quality artwork at a fair price, and really, it sells itself."

Cross Gate is pleased to include as its customers Keeneland Racecourse, Fasig-Tipton Company, Breeders' Cup, Ltd., and many other Equine organizations as well as top horsemen from around the world. 

Cross Gate Gallery is located at 509 East Main Street in Lexington, KY 40508. For more information about Cross Gate Gallery, call 859-233-3856 or visit www.crossgategallery.com .  

Downtown Arts Center

The Lexington Art League programs an exhibit space in partnership with LexArts at the Downtown Arts Center (DAC) located at 141 E. Main St. LAL @ DAC exhibits the work of some of the finest visual artists in Kentucky. LAL curates six exhibits annually for the space focusing on contemporary art in a variety of media. LAL @ DAC is free and open to the public Mon - Fri, 10 am - 5 pm. The Downtown Arts Center is located at 141 East Main Street in Downtown Lexington.  For more information contact Lexington Art League at 859-254-7024 or visit www.lexingtonartleague.org or contact LexArts at 859-255-2951 or visit www.lexarts.org. 

Gloria Singletary Gallery

Once a double parlor with grand, wood pocket doors, The Gloria Singletary Gallery at The Living Arts & Science Center is a small jewel of an exhibition space in a renovated 1847 antebellum mansion located near Downtown Lexington. Two rooms, both with 11-foot ceilings and totaling 108 running feet, can be used together as one exhibition space or individually. Three exterior walls with oversized windows provide extensive natural lighting. Visits to the space during gallery hours are encouraged and a floor plan is available upon request. The Gallery hosts eight to ten exhibitions each year.

The Gloria Singletary Gallery exhibitions program at The Living Arts & Science Center aims to provide our members and the public exhibits of exceptional quality and outstanding artistic merit. The LASC is also dedicated to offering innovative emerging and established artists an opportunity to continue developing their creative potential and investigations while affording valuable exposure. A non-profit organization, we seek to provide a diverse context for area art production by supporting artist’s projects and collaborations also associated with other regional non-profit organizations. Our goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of the visual fine arts and to promote critical contemplation and discourse within the local community and beyond.

All exhibitions are free and open to the public.  For more information, contact the Gloria Singletary Gallery at 859-252-5222 or visitwww.lasclex.org

The Government Center, 5th Floor

Now in its 51st year, the Lexington Art League (LAL) is Lexington's oldest and largest visual arts organization. LAL presents original and creative programs, with a reputation for thought-provoking content, that illuminate the role of visual art in contemporary life.  LAL is known for their many exhibits, including the prestigious Nude International, the AFB Art Fair @ Woodland Park (held every August in Lexington's Woodland Park), ARTalks and the monthly art gathering 5/3 4th Fridays, Lexington’s after hours art event. 

In addition to LAL @ Loudoun House, LAL curates exhibits every eight weeks in the Mayor’s Office on the 12th floor of the Government Center in downtown Lexington. Exhibits detail local artists and are a testament to the support the local government provides to the arts in Lexington.  LAL @ the Mayor’s Office is free and open to the public Mon - Fri, 9 am - 5 pm.  

The Loudon House

Now in its 51st year, the Lexington Art League (LAL) is Lexington's oldest and largest visual arts organization. LAL presents original and creative programs, with a reputation for thought-provoking content, that illuminate the role of visual art in contemporary life.  LAL is known for their many exhibits, including the prestigious Nude International, the AFB Art Fair @ Woodland Park (held every August in Lexington's Woodland Park), ARTalks and the monthly art gathering 5/3 4th Fridays, Lexington’s after hours art event. 

The historic Loudoun House in Castlewood Park is LAL’s flagship gallery and home to administrative offices. Annually, LAL programs six exhibitions for the main gallery and six concurrent exhibitions for the Project Space installation area located in the basement of the Loudoun House. LAL @ Loudoun House is free and open to the public Tue - Fri, 10 am - 4 pm and Sat - Sun, 1pm - 4 pm during exhibitions.  For more information, contact the Lexington Art League at 859-254-7024 or visit www.lexingtonartleague.org. 

Main Cross Gallery

Information coming soon

UK Art Museum

The Art Museum at the University of Kentucky is Lexington’s premier art museum with a collection of over 4000 objects including European and American paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, and decorative arts by artists ranging from Old Masters to Contemporary, as well as a selection of non-Western art. Featured artists include Alexander Calder, Thomas Gainsborough, Louise Nevelson, and Louis Comfort Tiffany, among others. The Museum also offers a full schedule of outstanding traveling exhibitions.

The UK Art Museum is located on the UK Campus at the corner of Rose Street & Euclid Avenue, and is open to the public Tue - Sun: 12pm - 5pm & Fri: 12pm - 8pm.  For more information, contact the UK Art Museum at 859-257-5716 or visit www.uky.edu/ArtMuseum 

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KIDS' FUN PLACES

Central Public Library Young People's Department

The Lexington Public Library is a place where children have so much fun, they don’t realize they’re learning. The library has thousands of children’s books, regularly-scheduled story times throughout the week and lots of special programs featuring crafts, magicians, clowns, puppet shows and much more. Every summer, thousands of children participate in our Summer Reading Program, keeping a log of summer reading and earning prizes. The Central Library Young People’s Department is open Sundays, 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. For more information on library resources and activities for children, call 859-231-5530 or visit www.lexpublib.org/kids.

Explorium of Lexington

Located in the heart of the Horse Capital of the World, Explorium of Lexington offers adventures in fun and learning. With nine discovery zones filled with interactive exhibits designed to inspire imagination and curiosity, kids of all ages have experiences that can last a lifetime.

Formerly known as the Lexington Children’s Museum, Explorium is one of the oldest children’s museums in the United States. Since 1990, over one million visitors from around Kentucky and across the country have enjoyed this fun, educational experience.

Living in Space, a traveling exhibit presented from October 3, 2009 until January 23, 2010 in the second floor exhibit area, is inspired by the International Space Station (ISS), the largest international aerospace project ever undertaken by humankind. Visitors become ISS "crewmembers" and engage in astronaut activities to discover how people live, work and play together in a weightless environment. Interactive displays and creative activities encourage children to imagine and explore the uniquely challenging, but also fun, life of an astronaut. Children discover what it's like to eat, sleep, get dressed and exercise in microgravity, engaging in cooperative tasks such as docking with the Space Shuttle, using special onboard equipment, and performing important science experiments. Stories and videos from real ISS crewmembers enhance the experience.

Explorium is located in Victorian Square at Short St. and Broadway in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.  For more information, contact the Explorium at 859-258-3253 or visit www.explorium.com.

Lexington Children's Theatre

Founded in 1938, Lexington Children's Theatre is one of the oldest, continuously operating theatres for young people in the country.  Today, staffed with professional actors, directors, designers, educators and administrators, the LCT mission is two-fold: To provide professional theatre experiences for young audiences and to provide quality theatre education for young people.

Annually, LCT provides quality theatre experiences and theatre arts education for as many as 150,000 children throughout the state of Kentucky.  LCT also has a four-quarter, on-site Theatre school, outreach education programming and acting companies for area teenagers, Company B and Jr. Company.

LCT employs 40 - 60 actors, teachers, administrators, technicians, professional interns and other artists each year, produces main stage productions with professional adult actors performing for youth that also travel as regional performances to other performance venues throughout the state and region, produces touring productions that travel throughout the state of Kentucky and beyond to perform in schools, libraries, and community centers, and produces Discovery Series productions, designed to afford young people with professional live-theatre experience in all areas of artistic & technical production.

Each year, LCT runs a full season of plays open to the public at their fully-equipped theatre in Downtown Lexington. Stop by and see a show while visiting Lexington.  For more information, contact the Lexington Children's Theatre at 859-254-4546 or visitwww.lctonstage.org.

The Living Arts & Science Center

The Living Arts & Science Center (LASC) was created as a not-for-profit organization in 1968 to “provide creative and unique opportunities for exploration and education in the arts and sciences.” In these 38 years, the LASC has not only moved with the times but has become a trusted creative resource and a stimulating force that makes Central Kentucky a better place.

Each year, the LASC presents an extensive and diverse array of programming including: Over 400 classes and workshops for children 18-months old to adults; seven to nine art exhibits of original work by local and regional artists; hands-on Discovery exhibits exploring relationships between art and science; performances and workshops with local and regional musicians, storytellers and puppet companies; free community arts programs provided to numerous social service agencies and neighborhood and community centers; field trip programs focusing on Kentucky’s core content in the arts and sciences; Discovery Night programs featuring guest artists and scientists sharing their work and collections; and free arts activities at community events such as Arbor Day at the Arboretum, MayFest, the High Hope Steeplechase, the Lexington Christmas Chorus, the Roots and Heritage Festival, and at our own Family Fun Day at the LASC.

The Living Arts & Science Center is located just 3 ½ blocks from Main Street in the Kinkead House, a beautiful 1847 home listed on the National Register for Historic Places. We enjoy 1 ½ lively acres in our urban setting that includes a waterfall and stream system with native Kentucky plantings, a butterfly garden and children’s garden, an outdoor classroom and several works of public art created by local artists and community members.

Open September - May: Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 5pm; Saturday, 10a - 2pm and June - August: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5:30pm.  For more information, contact the Living Arts & Science Center at 859-252-5222 or visit www.lasclex.org

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OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST

Alltech's Lexington Brewery Company

The Lexington Brewing Company was established in 1794. Although the brewery's name has changed back and forth over the years, one thing that hasn't is the tradition of brewing fine beer using the local limestone water. This lasting legacy continues with the newest entrée in the market, Kentucky Ale from Alltech's Lexington Brewery Company.

Early brewers produced ales, porters and common table beers in the English tradition of using top fermenting yeast. This method produces robust beers with a degree of bitterness.  Since it's inception over two hundred years ago Lexington Brewery was no exception, putting forth a wide range of beers including traditional "alt" or old German formulas, ales and porters and German style lager.

Free brewery tours are now available; bus tours and walk-ups welcome.  Tours can also be arranged by appointment.  Reservations are requested for groups of 15 or more.  For more information, contact Alltech's Lexington Brewery Company at 859-887-3406 or visitwww.kentuckyale.com.

The Lexington Public Library Foucault Pendulum

In 2001, Lexington philanthropist Lucille Caudill Little dreamed of a huge ceiling clock adorning the Central Library rotunda. Due to her generosity, her dream became a reality. Today, the Central Library rotunda has been transformed by the world’s largest ceiling clock, a five story Foucault pendulum and a frieze depicting the history of the horse in the Bluegrass. The project is a memorial to Mrs. Little’s husband W. Paul Little and their family friend Charles H. Jett III. It was designed by another family friend, Lexington artist Adalin Wichman.

Construction on the project began in late October 2001, with the erection of a four-story tall scaffolding in the rotunda. The clock, built by the Verdin Clock Co. of Cincinnati, was installed on the fourth floor ceiling in late November, after which the terrazzo floor, the frieze, and the pendulum were installed. Mrs. Little started the library’s pendulum on New Year’s Eve by burning the cord holding the plumb bob in place.

A brochure on the project is available at the library, which is open Sunday, 1pm to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. For more information, call 859-231-5530 or visitwww.lexpublib.org/pendulum. 

Triangle Park and Fountain

Triangle Park is located at the heart of Downtown Lexington, at the intersection of Broadway Ave.  and Main St., named so because the park takes up an entire block in the shape of a triangle, bounded by three streets.  The tree-laced park is an oasis in the city, boasting it's spectacular fountain which borders one entire side of the block.  Water jets along the entire top rim of the fountain shoot the water straight up which then cascades down an incline into the receiving basin.  

Triangle Park officially opened July 3, 1982. The park, designed by the internationally known urban park designer, Bob Zion, included a spectacular wall of water arcing over 300 feet wide. As beautiful as this fountain was during the daytime it was even more sparkling at night.

After over 23 years the lighting at the base of the fountain was in terrible disrepair. With twelve lighting fixtures connected by a single ground fault interrupt circuit, the slightest bit of moisture in a light fixture caused a large section of the fountain to go dark. Because the fixtures were cast in place in the fountain’s concrete base it was impossible to restore the lighting. By 2005 only 15% of the fountain’s footlights worked.

The park’s initial benefactor, the Triangle Foundation, stepped in and took 100% of the financial responsibility to restore the lighting to its original condition. Further, a new design was developed to guarantee the problem could not occur again. Only 3 lights were placed on a single circuit and each light fixture rests in a housing making it an easy task to remove and repair a single fixture. The project required removing the entire lower section of concrete footing which contained the light fixtures. All of the concrete pavers had to be removed and replaced after the light work was completed.  Thanks to the Triangle Foundation (which was formed and took its name from the original fundraising effort for Triangle Park); the spectacular look of the fountain at night has been restored.  

In 2006, The Triangle Foundation received the Landscape and Streetscape Award at the Downtown Lexington Corporation Annual Meeting and Awards of Excellence for their restoration project of Triangle Fountain.

Venturing outside of Downtown Lexington?

This site focuses on the Downtown Lexington area.  The entire central Kentucky region has an extensive array of points of interest, activities and events available year-round.  For a detailed list and information about things to do and places to go outside of the Downtown Lexington area, visit the Lexington Convention and Visitor's Bureau at www.visitlex.com.  

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