Here are 5 things to know about The Speed Art Museum's new Cressman Art Park
Louisville's public art scene is growing.
The Speed Art Museum officially opened the Elizabeth P. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park on Oct. 1, which boasts a variety of large sculptures, 150 newly planted trees and a courtyard, with walking paths and seating for visitors.
The three-acre park, which combines nature and art just outside the museum, 2035 S. Third St., aims to become a community staple, said Kim Butterweck, the director of communications and marketing at the Speed Art Museum.
"The Speed Art Museum has always been about more than just art — it's about community well-being," Butterweck told the Courier Journal.
The Cressman Art Park is open daily from dusk until dawn and admission is free. Ticketed access to the interior portion of The Speed Art Museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sundays from 12-5 p.m., when access is free.
"We hope the Art Park becomes a space people return to again and again — not just for what’s here today, but for what’s still to come," Butterweck said. "It’s designed to evolve and grow with our community, and we can’t wait to see how people make it their own."
The $22 million Art Park at the Speed Art Museum is the focal point of Speed Outdoors, the museum’s capital campaign to expand access to art and landscape while reimagining what a museum can be for its community.
Here's five things to know about the newly unveiled Art Park at the Speed Art Museum:
'Silver Wishbone' sculpture returns
In 2024, the museum removed its giant "Silver Wishbone" sculpture with the promise it would return. Prior to its temporary removal, the "Wishbone" had been a fixture at The Speed since 2015, The Courier Journal previously reported.
Made by Mark Handforth, a Miami-based artist whose other works have been featured in Chicago, Los Angeles, Germany and Italy, the prominent scuplture has returned to the grounds as part of the Art Park.
The sculpture is seven-and-a-half feet tall and 24-feet long. The "Silver Wishbone" is one of 11 sculptures currently installed in the Art Park. Butterweck said another sculpture will go "up in the next month or so."
Other sculptures at the Speed Museum Art Park
30, created by Sean Scully, is part of the new Elizabeth K. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park that surrounds the Speed Art Museum. Oct. 1, 2025
Once completed, the Art Park will feature 13 large-scale sculptures by artists including Handforth, Deborah Butterfield, and Sean Scully, including his sculpture "30," which welcomes guests at the museum’s entrance with its abundant color and impressive height, Butterweck said.
A beautiful vantage point of the Art Park from inside the museum can be found when standing in the Atrium, looking out over the reflecting pool, the front lawn, and Richard Long’s "Slate Atlantic," Butterweck said.
Native plants at the Art Park
Marker #6, created by Mel Kendrick, is part of the new Elizabeth K. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park that surrounds the Speed Art Museum. Oct. 1, 2025
While the focus of the park is its artwork, Butterweck said no detail was spared, even in the landscaping.
The Speed Art Museum worked with Boston-based landscape architects Reed Hilderbrand to design an area that wasn't just inviting to visitors but was also adaptive for the local environment.
“Our approach to the landscape was shaped by the Speed’s deep history, expansive collection and its bold vision for a more interconnected community,” John Kett, managing principal of Reed Hilderbrand, said in a news release. “We drew inspiration from Louisville’s Olmsted Park System, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, which placed public parks at the heart of civic life. The Art Park builds on this city-shaping legacy to create a place where past and future meet through experiences rooted in art, nature, and shared presence.”
Butterweck said the landscaping team utilized "local native plant experts to pick plants that would thrive in Louisville and support local wildlife. It’s a small detail, but it makes the Art Park not just beautiful, but also sustainable and really connected to the natural world around us."
Best time of day to visit the Art Park
Pair of Chairs, created by Kulapat Yantrasast, is part of the new Elizabeth K. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park that surrounds the Speed Art Museum. Oct. 1, 2025
Butterweck encourages visitors to explore the Art Park during different times of day, noting that "the changing light transforms the sculptures."
In the late afternoon through the early evening, Butterweck said the park transforms as people are getting done with the school day at the University of Louisville and workers shifts come to an end, making the courtyard a lively place.
"If you enjoy the energy of people watching, then the central courtyard outside our café is a great place to unwind and experience the fun hustle and bustle of a college campus while surrounded by art," Butterweck said.
Bonus: The sculpture "White Shadow" has a "magical glow to it as the sun is setting" that Butterweck said visitors don't want to miss.
What else can I do at the Art Park?
Five Open Square Gyratory Gyratory, created by George Rickey, is part of the new Elizabeth K. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park that surrounds the Speed Art Museum. Oct. 1, 2025
While the goal of the Cressman Art Park is to give visitors a chance to relax and enjoy nature while surrounded by art, the park does offer modern amenities.
Butterweck said visitors will have access to free wifi and charging stations throughout the park area.
"It’s a place where curiosity is sparked and hopefully spirits are restored," she added. "It’s a true third space for our community. A place that’s not home, not work, but somewhere you can just be — enjoy some calm and beauty, meet a friend, take a walk, or find inspiration."
Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @oliviamevans_.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Here are 5 things to know about The Speed Art Museum's new Cressman Art Park
