Old Louisville is one of America's finest neighborhoods. It is known to have some of the best examples of Victorian architecture in the entire country and walking along its charming streets is always a delight. The area roughly encompasses the area between Broadway in the north to Cardinal Boulevard at the University of Louisville in the south. Along the parallel 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets visitors will see many preserved Italianate, Romanesque and Queen Anne homes and buildings, one of note is the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. Other gems within the district are St. James Court, Belgravia Court and Central Park, where it literally feels as if you've traveled back to 1870.
The historic Louisville Palace from 1928 is a remnant of yesteryear, where once there stood several theaters along 4th Street, this extant one still stands. After its initial opening as a vaudeville palace, the theater converted itself over the years as a spot for films. It was only in the late 1994 when the theater reconverted itself back into a full-fledged performance venue. With acts as varied as ballet and bluegrass to comedy and touring Broadway shows, it's Louisville's classic hub for performing arts once again.
Muhammad Ali is one of Louisville's most prodigious sons, and this stunning multipurpose facility devoted to the boxing great promotes his ethos and six core principles of "Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality." The building also provides event space and it offers guests an opportunity to relive the life and times of the man who was born as Cassius Clay. Some exhibits include a movie, a number of interactive video displays, and educational programs on how to become involved in social justice projects within the community.
The Kentucky Derby, held annually at the fabulous Churchill Downs, is often said to be 'The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.' The museum, which is located just outside the racecourse, elaborately presents the history of this racing tradition through more than 20,000 items that have been collected since its inception in 1875. Exhibits include trophies, sculptures, photographs and paintings along with Derby souvenirs and the private collections of former horse trainers and jockeys. Tours can be made with the museum to visit the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs as well.
A world-renowned racecourse commemorating Henry Churchill, the Churchill Downs is the holy grail for aficionados of horse racing. Spread across more than 140 acres (56 hectares), the track rekindled Louisville's hope for horse racing after two of the city's favorite venues were shut down. Since its inception in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has prospered on this track garnering many raves from jockeys and equestrian sports lovers from across the globe. Featuring more than 70 luxury suites, the interior of the site is decorated with murals of Kentucky Derby winners thus celebrating the augustness and exclusivity of the sport. A museum, stables and a clubhouse are also a part of the Thoroughbred racetrack's extensive layout.
Zanzabar is a local institution. Since its opening in 1938 it has changed templates many times, but it has always remained a local watering hole. The recent incarnation has it all, from old-school arcade games and pinball tournament nights to local farm-to-table food and live music, things have surely changed since those prewar days. The food and drinks are outstanding, but a lot of people come just to revert back to their childhood with games like Paperboy, Asteroids, Frogger and Donkey Kong. When you add the live music, this version of Zanzabar appears as if it is the best one in the last 80 years.
This theater, officially known as the W.L. Lyons Brown Theater, is adjacent to the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and it's one of the last "Grand Dames" of yesteryear in the downtown Louisville vaudeville district. It holds at least 1,400 patrons comfortably and the shows vary from Disney productions to comedy and holiday specials. In addition to the Louisville Palace Theatre, the Brown is an architectural marvel with its ornate details inside and outside, something hardly seen in theaters constructed today.
The historic Louisville Palace from 1928 is a remnant of yesteryear, where once there stood several theaters along 4th Street, this extant one still stands. After its initial opening as a vaudeville palace, the theater converted itself over the years as a spot for films. It was only in the late 1994 when the theater reconverted itself back into a full-fledged performance venue. With acts as varied as ballet and bluegrass to comedy and touring Broadway shows, it's Louisville's classic hub for performing arts once again.
The Henry Clay situated in the heart of Downtown Louisville is a multipurpose event room featuring a beautiful charm that makes every event hosted here special. Originally built in 1924 as a lodge, this beautiful building features in the National Register of Historic Places. The Henry Clay features as many as 14 event spaces that can be rented at reasonable rates for events of all types and size. Events like weddings, birthday parties, corporate meetings, engagements, and birthday parties are among the many events to be organized here throughout the year. The efficient event management team here makes sure your event is successful and memorable for everyone and that you can enjoy your special event without having to worry about the arrangements.
Mercury Ballroom is a music space where renowned artists are invited to perform. The upbeat atmosphere and banter of the crowd, adds to the cheery environment. Artists like Corey Smith, Meghan Trainer and many others have been live performers here. You can book your tickets in advance to pick a nearer space to watch your Favorite artist perform. Additionally, the venue is also perfect for any of your private events with exclusive booths and party ambiance.
Louisville Free Public Library dates back to 1906, it was founded owing to the generous donations of Andrew Carnegie. The library building has featured in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Check website for details.