The Kentucky Science Center, previously known as the Louisville Museum of Natural History & Science and then Louisville Science Center, is Kentucky's largest science museum. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, on "Museum Row" in the West Main District of downtown, the museum operates as a non-profit organization. It was founded in 1871 as a natural history collection. More than half a million people visit the museum annually. Many students in Kentucky take field trips to the Kentucky Science Center.To visit Kentucky Science Center and get the most from your holiday in Louisville, create itinerary details personal to you using our Louisville online route planner.
There are about 550,000 visitors annually. A special hands-on area for children, featuring six educational activity sections, was renovated and renamed as KidZone in 1998.
The building itself is located at 727 West Main Street and about 150,000 sq ft (14,000 m2). The distinctive cast-iron facade limestone building was originally built in 1878 as a dry goods warehouse. The city purchased the property in 1975, and the museum moved to the premises in 1977, subsequently winning several design awards for its preservation of the building. A four-story digital theater was added in 1988 and renovated in early 2014.
The pendulum has been a fixture of the building for decades.
On January 11 2007, it was announced that the Kentucky Science Center would acquire the Alexander Building, which was built in 1880, adjacent to the current building.
In 2009, the center opened a Science Education Wing on the building's first floor. The wing includes four science-workshop labs equipped for "hands-on participation". The five-story Alexander Building is nearly 37,000 square feet (3,400 m2).
Source
Kentucky Science Center reviews
-
I really loved this place. There were so many unique and fun exhibits for all ages but I do wish the playground was larger and more varied. The exhibits are like smaller versions of your normal children’s museum. However I loved the plane landing simulation, hanging pool noodles, toddler area, and water area. There are three levels but the third is unnecessary in my opinion. For some reason I thought it would be the human body or something. Gift shop is small but has some cute stuff. People there are sweet and helpful and the elevator makes things easy. There’s a subway if you arrive hungry and they sell drinks In the gift shop as well as candy bars but you’ll be paying quite a bit more for them than normal as can be expected. The bubble exhibit was quite fun as well.
-
This place is super cool! We came on a short weekend getaway, and we're glad we decided to go. One thing I must say is get there early because by noon it was packed. The parking was easy, convenient, and only $8. The first floor was the most exciting for us, with an almost 2 year old. My one complaint is the water area when it gets busy, it's super congested. It was probably one of the funnest areas, though. They have a big light bright that I couldn't get away from. There's so much to do! If you're in the city with kids and have some time, I highly recommend coming here.
Plan your trip to Louisville
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Louisville
Side trips from Louisville
Hidden gems in Louisville
Breweries & Distilleries in Louisville
Shopping in Louisville
Trips in Kentucky Science Center by other users
23 days in Nashville, Louisville & Wichita
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Nashville
Louisville
Wichita
18 days in Bourbon, Horses & History
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Loretto
Louisville
23 days in Louisville
BY A USER FROM CHINA
Room Escape Games
Farmington Historic Plantation
Distillery Tours
8 days in Indianapolis
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Room Escape Games
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
8 days in Evansville
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Wesselman Woods Nature Center
Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science
Cave-in-Rock State Park
8 days in Evansville
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
USS LST Ship Memorial
Tropicana Evansville Casino
Dream Car Museum