Top 7 Museums in Bowling Green, Kentucky (KY)

SKyPAC Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, oversees the administration of SKyPAC and the Capitol Arts Center facilities and programs. A premier entertainment center, SKyPAC is a multi-use facility located in downtown Bowling Green, KY. The facility includes an 1,800-seat state-of-the-art auditorium that serves as the home of Orchestra Kentucky; The Renshaw Education Center, which houses the Carol Wedge Studio Theater - a flexible 2,600 sq. ft. space for intimate productions and gatherings; several multi-functional rehearsal halls/classrooms; a children's art gallery and a main gallery.

See over 70 Corvettes in periodic settings including a mid-century barbershop, service station and historic race track. Exhibit Hall features special displays that change regularly. For hands-on activities visit the KidZone, Corvette Cave-In / Sinkhole Experience and numerous trivia kiosks, then try a Corvette on for size in the lobby. The Corvette Store offers apparel, collectibles, home and gift items. On-site 50's-inspired Corvette Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Located on the grounds of Western Kentucky University, the museum features rich collections of decorative arts,artifacts focusing on Duncan Hines, the Civil War, Quilts, the Snell collection of European art and iconic items from America’s leaders in various fields, Dale Earnhardt, Jimmy Carter, Sandra Day O’Conner, Ken Burns, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Charlie Daniels, Liza Minnelli and many, many more.

From the time man first took flight in the early 1900s to the recent shuttle missions into space, South Central Kentucky has played a significant role in the history of aviation. One of the first pilots to fly in combat claimed ties to Bowling Green, as did a World War I flying ace, a pioneer instructor pilot, a Vietnam war hero, Commanders of the famed Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels, the Commander/Pilot of "Marine One", the presidential helicopter unit and the Mission Commander for the space shuttle Atlantis. These aviators - and their ties to South Central Kentucky - deserve to be recognized and celebrated so that future generations might be made aware of and motivated by their extraordinary achievements. This is the mission of Aviation Heritage Park.

Located on a major north-south corridor between two major cities, Bowling Green has a long history tied to the evolution of transportation in Kentucky; from steamboats traveling the Barren River to the railroad and eventually the current interstate systems. The current L&N Depot was built in 1925 to replace an older station. At one time, over 20 trains per day departed the current site, providing a hub for Bowling Green’s economic foundation and exposure to travelers between Louisville, KY and Nashville, TN.

Founded in 1992 by Jerry Baker, the Baker Arboretum covers nearly 115 acres in the rolling hills of the outskirts of Bowling Green, KY. Featuring many varieties of dogwoods, magnolias & other flowering trees, woven among the conifers and Japanese maples, visitors will enjoy year-round highlights in our European-style gardens. Enjoy the blooms of spring & summer, the colors of fall, showcased in over 160 Japanese maples, and the winter beauty of the variety of conifers. The Downing Museum exhibits a large collection of artwork by the late Joe Downing as well as works by other regional, national, and international artists. Joe Downing was an award-winning artist from KY, who spent the majority of his career in France. Baker and Joe Downing were long-time friends and collaborated on the design of the museum. Enjoy artwork from our beautiful collections exhibited against the verdant backdrop of the Baker Arboretum. Admission is free. Spaces available for private events.