The best arts & culture spots in Barboursville

Deeply rooted in Ashland, C. B. Nuckolls Community Center & Black History Museum is a nonprofit spotlighting local and national Black history through exhibits, educational programs, art, and genealogical research.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 21, 2026

Part regional time capsule, part science playground, The Highlands Museum & Discovery Center blends Ashland history with kid-friendly, hands-on science activities and an art gallery. When cabin fever hits, it’s an easy in-town fix that sneaks in learning while giving grownups a dose of local nostalgia.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 28, 2026

Aladdin's Art Gallery nails custom framing with a personal touch, then tempts you to linger over local and regional art, Fairtrade gifts, and shiny art glass. It’s the kind of spot where Ashland creativity meets gift-giving mojo, from art jewelry to quirky garden stakes that spark yard envy.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 24, 2026

Art Alley Ashland, KY is a citizen-funded outdoor gallery in downtown that turned a once-plain pass-through into a colorful, interactive mural walk. Local artists filled it with bold pieces, including a Country Music Highway nod, so it’s a great quick stroll, photo stop, or mid-errand mood boost.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 14, 2026

Whether you grew up tuning dials or just love good tech stories, Museum of Radio & Technology packs cathedral and console radios, ham gear, military communications gear, vintage computers, hi-fi, a vinyl trove, and the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Perfect for a quick nerd out this week.

From the Huntington newsletter, October 21, 2026

Central City Museum stitches together stories and artifacts of the neighborhood, from gleaming glass and hand-worked wood to brewery memorabilia and items from Central City shops circa 1893 through the 1950s.

From the Huntington newsletter, October 15, 2026

This week, whether your crew needs to climb, tinker, or just get gloriously curious, Huntington Children's Museum delivers with STEAM-focused hands-on exhibits like the Science Lab, Sensory City, City on the Move, Curiosity Cove, a cozy Reading Nook, and the Into the Wild Climbing Club.

From the Huntington newsletter, October 4, 2026

Step into the starry sky ceiling and ornate Venetian vibes of Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, a 1928 icon hosting national acts, local productions, and beloved film festivals. It’s the kind of plush-seat night out that turns a random weeknight into a story you’ll retell.

From the Huntington newsletter, October 7, 2026

Madie Carroll House is an early-1800s house museum where local and regional artifacts live alongside seasonal guided tours that turn quiet rooms into story time, perfect for a low-key afternoon when you want real-deal hometown history without the textbook.

From the Huntington newsletter, October 12, 2026

Touma Museum of Medicine, Marshall University School of Medicine packs 4,000 square feet with more than 2,800 artifacts displayed in nearly a dozen galleries, a downtown treasure trove of medical history worth getting lost in. Start with their video tours, then treat yourself to a close-up this week.

From the Huntington newsletter, October 10, 2026