On Oct. 1, 2025, the Speed Art Museum’s Elizabeth P. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park opened to the public with celebrations including a ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches from Mayor Craig Greenberg and First Lady Britainy Beshear.
“There is something really special about the intersection of nature and the arts, the way it can invoke and heighten all of our senses. This new space surrounding the museum invites everyone to experience this power of art out in the open air,” Beshear said.
While living in Louisville, Beshear saw the importance of art in her children’s lives when they visited the Speed Art Museum. She hopes that the new Art Park will be an opportunity for kids all around Louisville to experience the benefits of art.
The Art Park is a $22 million project that has been in the making for the past fifteen years. Designed by landscape architecture firm Reed Hilderbrand, the three-acre park contains large-scale contemporary sculptures alongside hundreds of native plants. The addition to Speed’s landscape is meant to provide an equitable, enriching experience for the people of Louisville through a combination of art and nature.
“Well I’m hoping that a lot of Manual and other JCPS students use this new art park. […] There’s places to study, to hang out with friends, to explore art and to enjoy the outdoors,” Greenberg said.
Greenberg emphasized how the Art Park will positively impact mental and physical health all throughout Louisville’s community. Since the park is free to the public, it is intended to be an accessible environment where anyone can go to walk and relax.
Other speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony included Victoria Diaz and Todd Lowe, chairpersons of Speed Outdoors, who provided insight into the future of the park: a second section that will be completed over the course of the next two years in time for Speed’s centennial.
The celebration and appreciation of art in Louisville continues with other events. From Oct. 3-5, Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is providing a fare-free shuttle service for people to experience the Art Park, as well as the St. James Court Art Show and the Artists and Afros Art Show and Sale.
