Exhibitions

Filson Exhibitions

The Filson’s exhibits share the stories of the Ohio River Valley using photographs,Stock Yards Bank and Trust Logo manuscripts, books and artifacts from the Filson’s extensive collections spanning more than 230 years. Our exhibit spaces are open Monday through Friday 9 AM-4:30 PM and are free to the Public.

Filson exhibits are generously sponsored by Stock Yards Bank and Trust. 

The Filson’s exhibits share the stories of the Ohio River Valley using  photographs, manuscripts, books and artifacts from the Filson’s extensive collections spanning more than 230 years. Digital exhibits can be accessed on our Omeka website or by clicking the title’s below. Our exhibit spaces are open Monday through Friday 9 AM-4:30 PM and are free to the Public.

Filson exhibits are generously sponsored by Stock Yards Bank and Trust. 

Stock Yards Bank and Trust Logo

Current Exhibits

The Filson’s clothing and textile collection contains over 5,000 objects from as early as the 1810s worn for every occasion. Yet the public has only been able to view a tiny fraction of the Filson’s fashion archive over the years—just an occasional peek in the closet. Bustles to Blue Jeans will show off some of our most unusual, storied, and beautiful garments—from ball gowns to bathing costumes, bustles to blue jeans.

Elegant, vintage gown with intricate lace detailing and a long train, set against a neutral background. Text reads "Bustles to Blue Jeans."

Bustles to Blue Jeans: Highlights from the Filson’s Fashion Archive

On View in the Bingham Gallery till August 7th, 2026

Family is the social foundation of the Black experience. Black Homecoming: Kentucky Kinship in Photography celebrates Black families, traditional and non-traditional, genetic and chosen. Through photographs dating from the 1850s to the present, explore how Black Kentuckians throughout history have intertwined family with community and built kinship beyond the confines of blood relations.

Black Homecoming: Kentucky Kinship in Photography

On View in the Nash Gallery till April 3rd, 2026

Upcoming Exhibits

Each stitch in a quilt, coverlet, or sampler tells a story—a story of physical necessity, artistic expression, and cultural tradition. From the Same Cloth: Textiles of the Ohio Valley explores 250 years of textiles and the diverse narratives they share. Through historic and contemporary works, this exhibit reveals how fiber arts express identity and connect families across time. As our nation reflects on its 250 year history, we invite you to come experience that history woven into the rich fabric of the Ohio Valley.

From the Same Cloth: Textiles & Handwork of the Ohio Valley

On View in the Bingham Gallery starting May 29th, 2026

Behind the Curtain: Louisville Ballet 75th Anniversary

On View in the Nash Gallery starting September 18th 2026

Online Exhibits

Digital exhibits can be accessed on our Omeka website or by clicking the images below.

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The Incomparable Helen Humes: The Life and Career of Louisville’s Legendary Jazz and Blues Singer
Breaking the Mold: Sculptor Enid Yandell
Paul Gunter
Paul Günter: Studio Portraiture to Art Photography
Forgotten Foundations: Louisville’s Lost Architecture
The Kentucky State Fair, 1816-2015
The Evolution of Camp Zachary Taylor