During your visit to the National Quilt Museum, explore its collection of award-winning quilts ranging from non-representational compositions to intricate realistic scenes in the Museum’s primary gallery. Special exhibits about antique and contemporary quilting are also on display in two additional galleries. Be sure to browse the Museum Shop featuring regional and national artisan works.
National Quilt Museum Collection
Discover quilts from the National Quilt Museum Collection in the main gallery. The Museum’s ever growing quilt collection includes over 320 quilts made by over 350 different quilt makers: 50 to 60 of the quilts can be found on public display at any given time while the rest of the collection is housed in a temperature and humidity controlled vault. Within the collection are award-winning quilts from regional and national contests. Other quilts in the collection were chosen based on their uniqueness or their historic relevance.
Miniature Quilts
The National Quilt Museum also houses a collection of miniature quilts. Growing in popularity and sophistication over the past several years, miniature quilts are made in the same way any size quilt would be made, but smaller in scale. Generally a “miniature quilt” is classified as a quilt no more than 24 inches on each side.
Stained Glass Windows
In addition to its quilt collection, the National Quilt Museum’s holdings also include a stained glass window collection. Located in the lobby, the stained glass windows were specially made by co-founders of the Museum, Bill and Meredith Schroeder. Each quilt is based on a contemporary quilt featured in one of the many publications of the American Quilter’s Society including three within the collection: Basket of Flowers by Marzena J. Krol, Sunset Kites by Carol Wadley and Oriental Fantasy by Katherine E. Inman.
Shopping at the National Quilt Museum Shop
Be sure to visit the National Quilt Museum Shop. Quilts, pottery, glass, wood and jewellery by Kentucky and national artisans; over 800 book titles on quilt history, techniques and individual quilters; and novels and popular books related to quilting are available to purchase. The Museum Shop also carries a wide selection of Jim Shore collectibles.
- In addition to exhibiting works from its collection, the National Quilt Museum hosts eight to ten travelling exhibits featuring breathtaking works of quilt and fiber art throughout the year.
- The National Quilt Museum is ADA complaint. Complimentary wheelchairs are available for use.
- Volunteers can be found throughout the Museum’s galleries to answer any questions you might have about quilts, the museum and the region.