The Filson opens new exhibit on Louisville’s lost architecture
LOUISVILLE, KY – The Filson Historical Society is proud to announce the opening of their latest exhibit, Forgotten Foundations: Louisville’s Lost Architecture on February 18. This exhibit is curated by Jana Meyer and Danielle Spalenka.
Forgotten Foundations explores the rise, fall, and revitalization of the urban core. For much of its history, Downtown Louisville was the foundation and heart of the city. Downtown became a hub for many businesses in a post-Civil War building boom. Grand buildings with intricate architectural details were a visual symbol of Louisville’s growing economic power. But as people and businesses relocated to the suburbs, downtown saw a major decline. Buildings once seen as architectural gems were now perceived as outdated. Urban renewal and the expansion of expressways meant that many buildings foundational to the city were demolished. This exhibit will remember what was lost through architectural and photographic records left behind.
Forgotten Foundations will be open for viewing Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Filson Historical Society, 1310 S. 3rd Street, Louisville. Tours of the exhibit and grounds are free, but reservations are strongly encouraged.
The Filson will host a public exhibit opening Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 4:30-5:45 p.m. The reception will feature refreshments and short remarks from the curator and sponsors at 5:30 p.m. Small groups of 10 will be allowed in the exhibit at one time to view them and speak with the curators. All participants must register in advance. Masks and proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative Covid test in the preceding 48 hours are required to attend this event. To register for this event, please visit www.filsonhistorical.org. This event is free and open to the public.
Forgotten Foundations: Louisville’s Lost Architecture is generously sponsored by Stock Yards Bank and Trust.
After the opening, the Filson will host Michael Koch for a lecture on his book, Close to Home, which presents the author’s creative, award-winning work and introduces readers to the simple elegance of his designs and meaningful contributions he has made to the landscape of Kentucky. “Close to Home” is an associated program with Forgotten Foundations, and features projects within a 15-mile radius of Louisville. This event is separate from the exhibit opening and will require a separate registration. Close to Home is open to the public, but registration is required. Close to Home is free for Filson members and $15 for non-members. Masks and proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative Covid test in the preceding 48 hours are required to attend this event.
For more information about this exhibit, please contact Maureen Lane, Curator of Museum Collections at gro.l1713505735aciro1713505735tsihn1713505735oslif1713505735@neer1713505735uam1713505735 or (502) 635-5083. For more information on Filson events, please visit filsonhistorical.org.
