Located at 316 West Main Street in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the Old Bank of Louisville offers you a striking encounter with historic American architecture. Completed around 1837 for the Bank of Louisville, this historic commercial building, also known as the Southern National Bank building, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971 for its exceptionally fine Greek Revival architecture. Designed by architect James Dakin, with Gideon Shryock as construction superintendent, its details derive from architectural pattern books of the era.
When you visit the south side of West Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, you will see a grand exterior featuring a pair of fluted stone columns topped with Ionic capitals beneath an entablature and an iron crested parapet. Flanking limestone antae with a battered finish set off three bays of tall multipane windows surrounding the central entrance. After its conversion in the 1970s, the building now functions as the lobby for the adjacent Actors Theatre of Louisville.
Step inside to appreciate the preserved original finishes, notably including interior Ionic columns and a domed ceiling.
What to see at Old Bank of Louisville
- Exceptionally fine Greek Revival architecture designated a National Historic Landmark
- Exterior pair of fluted stone columns topped by Ionic capitals
- Flanking battered limestone antae and an iron crested parapet
- Preserved interior finishes including Ionic columns and a domed ceiling
- Historic 1837 commercial building serving as the lobby for Actors Theatre of Louisville
Visiting tips
Look for the historic entrance on the south side of West Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets as you enter the theater lobby.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Old Bank of Louisville 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.