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Special Exhibition

GREAT PERFORMANCES
ARE JUST THE BEGINNING

In addition to special exhibitions in the Grand Foyer Gallery, the Center boasts an expansive display of permanent art and sculpture year-round, including the Ex Astris sculpture, the Haven Gillespie Fountain and Plaza, and works by Auguste Rodin and Stephen Rolfe Powell ‘74.

Grand Foyer Gallery
Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Free

Guided group tours are
available by request.

Exhibit on the walls of the Grand Foyer in the Norton Center
COMING SOON
AN AMERICA250KY EXHIBITION

BE THE PEOPLE: PORTRAITS OF CONTEMPORARY AMERICA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON CHERRY

Kentucky photographer Jon Cherry captures the true spirit of today’s America while analyzing the truths that define our time. In this new exhibition, Cherry asks, “What does it mean to be an American?” An impartial reflection on the last five years of life in the United States, it explores how political extremism, grief, pride, misinformation and faith collide to shape our headlines and our understanding of one another.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The founding of America was a revolutionary experiment: an experiment that we continue to shape for future generations. As Kentucky prepares to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, this exhibition invites patrons to examine new perspectives, as we all advocate for our inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Kentucky photographer Jon Cherry captures the true spirit of today’s America while analyzing the truths that define our time. A Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and artist, his work spans a wide range of photographic disciplines and he frequently contributes to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press and Reuters.

In this new exhibition, Be The People: Portraits of Contemporary America, Cherry asks, “What does it mean to be an American?” An impartial reflection on the last five years of life in the United States, it explores how political extremism, grief, pride, misinformation and faith collide to shape our headlines and our understanding of one another.

Kentucky Historical Society Logo
America 250 KY Logo
Kentucky Arts Council Logo

PERMANENT COLLECTION

Sculpture And Blue Sky
EX ASTRIS (1978)

The 14-foot, brass-plated sculpture by Louisville artist Tom Lear is located at the main entrance to the Grand Foyer. The name means “from the stars.”

Fountain With People In The Background
THE HAVEN GILLESPIE FOUNTAIN AND PLAZA (1973)

The Haven Gillespie Fountain and Plaza (1973, renovated in 1994 and 2010). This space was made possible by a gift by Audrey R. Gillespie in memory of James Haven Gillespie 1888-1975 and his son Haven Lamont Gillespie 1910-1990.

Sculpture Of The Walking Man
THE WALKING MAN (1899-1900)

Also known as “Etude for St. Jean Baptiste,” this original work is by the founder of modern sculpture, Auguste Rodin. The sculpture was donated in 1980 by David Grissom in honor of his late father.

PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS

Photographs, videos, artist biographies and additional resources from previous special exhibitions are available.

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