Attractions
Muhammad Ali Center
Fans of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali can see and experience all aspects of the life of the man dubbed 'The Greatest' at this huge multi-media, interactive exhibition center, which features 10 theatres and more than 50 interactive stations. Ali's story, including his boxing career, global humanitarianism and his societal and religious convictions, is presented in thematic displays according to the six core values he has encompassed: confidence, conviction, dedication, respect, spirituality and giving. The inspirational center also includes displays of memorabilia, a retail store, and cafe.
Address: 144 N. Sixth Street
Telephone: (502) 992 5329
E-mail: info@alicenter.org
Web site: www.alicenter.org
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Admission: $9 (adults), $4 (children 6-12); children under five are free. Discounts for students, pensioners and groups
Kentucky Derby Museum
Even those who are not horse-racing fans can experience the thrill of the sport at the museum and through tours offered at Churchill Downs, one of the world's oldest (established in 1874) and most famous tracks, which hosts the annual renowned Kentucky Derby. The Museum contains exhibits that bring the pageantry and excitement of the Derby to life, including high-tech computerised hands-on displays and video graphics. A video entitled 'The Greatest Race' is shown on a 360-degree screen every half hour from 9am to 4.30pm (from 12.30pm on Sundays). Museum tour guides take groups of visitors to see the Churchill Downs' stable and infield areas, as well as through the historic Edwardian grandstand, finish line and winners' circle.
Address: 704 Central Avenue
Telephone: (502) 637 7097
E-mail: info@derbymuseum.org
Website: www.derbymuseum.org
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Admission: $9 (adults), $4 (children 5-11)
Steamboat Belle of Louisville
The Belle of Louisville is America's oldest still-serving sternwheeler riverboat, plying the Ohio River from Louisville's waterfront to give visitors memorable sunset cruises, sightseeing excursions and Saturday night party cruises. The historic boat powered by two steam engines and boasting 32 whistles, was commissioned in 1914 and originally named the Idlewild. She served as a packet boat for many years, carrying passengers and freight on America's inland waters. In 1962 she was purchased by the Jefferson County authorities and refurbished, being declared a National Historic Landmark. Public sightseeing cruises depart from the 4th Street Wharf in Louisville.
Address: 401 West River Road
Telephone: (502) 574 2992
Web site: www.belleoflouisville.org
Openingtime: Cruises Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Memorial Day to Labor Day), and sunset cruises on Thursdays during summer. Groups, charters and events available all year
Admission: $14 (adults), $6 (children 3-12); other concessions available. Other tickets are also available that include lunch, dinner or dancing
Thomas Edison’s House
Thomas Edison, inventor of the incandescent electric light bulb, lived in the house at 729 East Washington Street, Louisville, in 1866 when he was only 19 years old and had yet to receive acclaim for his many inventions. When Edison lived in Louisville he worked for the Western Union as a telegraph operator on Second and West Main Street, a few blocks from the house. Today the simple cottage, built around 1850, has been restored as a museum housing interesting artifacts like cylinder and disc phonographs, a kinetoscope, the first home motion picture projector, numerous versions of the light bulb and other inventions patented by Edison.
Address: 729-31 East Washington Street
Telephone: (502) 585 5247
E-mail: edisonhouse@edisonhouse.org
Web site: www.edisonhouse.org
Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 2pm, or by prior appointment
Admission: $5 (adults), concessions available
Cathedral of the Assumption
The Cathedral of the Assumption is the fourth oldest public building in Louisville as well as the third oldest Catholic Cathedral in the United States in continuous use. Designed in the Neo-Gothic style by William Keeley and Isaiah Rogers, the Cathedral was completed in 1852. The steeple rises 287 feet above the Louisville skyline, and upon its completion, was North America's tallest spire. The chancel window is one of the oldest surviving examples of hand-painted stained glass in the country. The Cathedral of the Assumption is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an active, urban parish with 1,500 registered families.
Address: 433 South Fifth Street
Telephone: (502) 582 2971
E-mail: administrator@cathedraloftheassumption.org
Web site: www.cathedraloftheassumption.org
Openingtime: Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Sundays 1pm to 4pm
Admission: Self-guided tours are available
Louisville Science Center
The Louisville Science Center in historic West Main Street, founded in 1871 as a natural history collection, has experienced more than a century of growth to become Kentucky's largest hands-on science center, visited by more than 550,000 people each year. A highlight of the centre is a 12,500 square foot (1,161 sq metre) permanent exhibit known as The World Around Us, featuring more than 40 interactive stations that challenge visitors of all ages to make use of their creativity and problem-solving skills. The centre also has a four-storey Imax theatre, a gift shop and restaurant.
Address: 727 West Main Street
Telephone: (502) 561 6100
Web site: www.louisvillescience.org
Opening time: Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 5pm; Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 9pm; Sunday 12pm to 6pm. IMAX and KidZone closed on Mondays except during public and school holidays
Admission: Exhibits: $12 (adults), $10 (children 2-12), IMAX: $8 (adults), $7 (children), Combination ticket: $15 (adults), $12 (children)
Glassworks Center
America’s first complete center dedicated to the art of glass, from architectural glassworks to the finest glass jewelry and ornaments, is located in Louisville on the corner of 9th and Market Streets in the historic Snead Manufacturing Building. Visitors can watch glassblowers, flameworkers, cutters and designers at work, creating glassart in the open air and studios. Renowned resident glassmakers are Mark Payton and Brook White, but the center also plays host to visiting glass artists. Glass art is also on sale at the center. Guided tours are available.
Address: 815 West Market Street
Telephone: (502) 584 4510
E-mail: info@louisvilleglassworks.com
Web site: www.louisvilleglassworks.com
Openingtime: Guided tours every Saturday at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Self-guided tours may be undertaken Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm
Admission: Guided tours: $6.50 (adults); self-guided tours: $4.50 (adults), concessions available
