The best arts & culture spots in Lexington

8 arts & culture spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Lexington’s best · Restaurants · Bakeries & Sweets · Home & Garden · Nightlife · Entertainment · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Beauty · Shopping · Sporting Goods · Pets

Pinned in Lexington today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Lexington — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Arts & Culture · 8 places · showing the latest additions first

If your week needs a creative jolt, the University of Kentucky Art Museum is rolling with a smart mix of shows like Geometric Rhythms and…

405 Rose St · ✓ checked Jul 31

If your week needs a creative jolt, the University of Kentucky Art Museum is rolling with a smart mix of shows like Geometric Rhythms and Rauschenberg’s Reach that make you linger and think. Pop in before Aug 8 to catch the current lineup while it’s still hanging.

From the Lexington newsletter, August 3, 2026

Website ↗

Ashland

Arts & Culture

Ashland is a living museum with tours that unpack Henry Clay’s complex legacy, from the stories of people enslaved at Ashland to the women…

120 Sycamore Rd · ✓ checked Jul 31

Ashland is a living museum with tours that unpack Henry Clay’s complex legacy, from the stories of people enslaved at Ashland to the women who shaped it. Stroll the 17-acre grounds, find outdoor exhibits, and watch for community events like Jazz on the Lawn, an easy excuse to get outside this week.

From the Lexington newsletter, August 8, 2026

Website ↗

Ample-sized museum featuring thorough exhibits about horse history, sports and literature.

4089 Iron Works Pkwy

Ample-sized museum featuring thorough exhibits about horse history, sports and literature.

Website ↗

Museum with a planetarium, an art gallery, animal exhibits, and educational programs.

362 N Martin Luther King Blvd

Museum with a planetarium, an art gallery, animal exhibits, and educational programs.

Website ↗
Run a Lexington business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Airport-based venue with exhibits & educational programs showcasing the science & history of flight.

4029 Airport Rd

Airport-based venue with exhibits & educational programs showcasing the science & history of flight.

Website ↗

Museum with interactive art & science-related exhibits for children of all ages.

440 W Short St

Museum with interactive art & science-related exhibits for children of all ages.

Website ↗

Historic childhood home of the First Lady of the United States from 1861-1865, with tours & events.

578 W Main St

Historic childhood home of the First Lady of the United States from 1861-1865, with tours & events.

Website ↗

Museum with artifacts, trophies, tack & artwork tracing the history of American Saddlebred horses.

4083 Wing Commander Way Ste 150 · ✓ checked Aug 7

Museum with artifacts, trophies, tack & artwork tracing the history of American Saddlebred horses.

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →