Conrad-Caldwell House Museum — Attraction in Louisville

Located at the old entrance to the Southern Exposition world fairs of 1883 to 1887, the Conrad-Caldwell house is a lovely piece of architecture, and a place that captures the interior design of the era.

The Romanesque architecture of the exterior is worth spending a little bit of time with, since much of the decoration is unique from one example to the next, rather than having the same repeated across the house.

The tour of the interior is interesting for the fact that one of the great-grandchildren is the docent, and peppers the tour with anecdotes from her memories of the house and her relatives. The tour goes through most of the rooms which are populated with furniture from the era and some from the house itself where it is available. The decorative items are almost all from the original house as well.

The house is at its fanciest in the entrance level, with each level becoming less so, and, not surprisingly, the servants quarters are even more utilitarian. The top level is in need of maintenance, and if you are lucky you also get to see some of the storage spaces.

The house has three levels that are part of the tour, all accessed by stairs. There is an elevator in the house, but I do not know if that is available for people with disabilities or not. The tour takes about an hour.

Just down the street there is a fountain from the Southern Exposition worth taking a look at, and across the street is Central Park, which survives from the Exposition, though reconfigured.

Street parking is easily had around the neighborhood, but be aware that you are right across the street from a police station so illegal parking is...

The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is a true treasure of Old Louisville and a vital part of our community’s identity. The staff & family's dedication to preserving this historic gem is remarkable—they put immense time and attention into maintaining the integrity of its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and meticulous restorations.

I recently attended the 2024 Christmas Candlelight Tour, and it was nothing short of magical. Each room was adorned with stunning Victorian Christmas décor, transporting visitors back in time to a holiday season filled with elegance and charm. The event was tremendously executed, showcasing the museum’s commitment to creating unforgettable experiences.

This was just one of the many events I’ve had the pleasure of attending at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. Every event has been impeccably organized and beautifully done, reflecting the passion and care of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve and share this historic home.

All of us in Old Louisville deeply revere the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum for its essential role in connecting us to our shared history and enriching our neighborhood. I cannot recommend a visit—or attending one of their...

July of 2025.

Parking is available along the side streets.

A charming park with a fountain, a lion statue, and an antique fire lamp-post is located in front of the mansion; a video is available for viewing.

As the photographs may suggest, the exterior of this mansion is quite beautiful.

Your visit begins at the gift shop, situated to the left of the mansion, where you will receive a brochure detailing each room. Restroom is also available at the gift shop. We chose a self-guided tour because we were somewhat pressed for time.

After leaving the gift shop, we entered the mansion's front entrance and were greeted by Beth Caldwell of the Caldwell family, whose photograph is attached. She was exceptionally kind and provided a wealth of information.

Most rooms feature photographs illustrating their historical appearance. It is truly captivating to witness how individuals of high social standing lived during that time, offering a journey back in time.

Donations are gratefully accepted to support the mansion's upkeep, and a portion of your gift shop purchases also contributes to its maintenance.

We hope you have a...