If you are exploring Louisville, Kentucky, a visit to The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts offers a rich cultural experience in the heart of the city. Opened and dedicated in 1983, this major venue is owned by Kentucky Performing Arts and serves as the home to renowned resident companies, including the Kentucky Opera, Louisville Ballet, the Louisville Orchestra, StageOne Family Theatre, and Broadway Across America. Beyond its storied stage history—which includes hosting a famous 1984 U.S. presidential debate between Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale—the facility is a wonderful destination for art lovers.
As you explore the center, you can view impressive sculptural artwork created by world-famous artists such as Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, John Chamberlain, and Jean Dubuffet. Inside, the center features three distinct performance spaces. You will find the spacious 2,406-seat Robert S.
Whitney Hall named for the Louisville Orchestra's founding conductor, the 619-seat Moritz von Bomhard Theatre equipped with an M1D Meyer Sound system, and the intimate 139-seat Boyd Martin Theatre, also fondly known as "The MeX." Whether you attend a show or admire its notable public sculptures, The Kentucky Center highlights the vibrant arts scene of Kentucky.
What to see at The Kentucky Center
- Sculptural artwork by Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, John Chamberlain, and Jean Dubuffet
- The 2,406-seat Robert S. Whitney Hall performance space
- Moritz von Bomhard Theatre equipped with an M1D Meyer Sound system
- Boyd Martin Theatre, an intimate 139-seat space also known as "The MeX"
- Resident home for the Kentucky Opera, Louisville Ballet, and Louisville Orchestra
Visiting tips
Request access services in advance if you require accommodations, as the venue provides dedicated support for patrons with disabilities.
How long: 1-3 hours · Best time: During scheduled showtimes
How to get there & what’s nearby
The Kentucky Center is easy to reach on Louisville’s public transport, and pairs naturally with The Louisville Palace and Muhammad Ali Center. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Louisville travel guide.
See the full Louisville travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.