The Speed Art Museum is pleased to announce that it has been awarded re-accreditation from the American Association of Museums (AAM). Accreditation recognizes high standards in individual museums and ensures that museums continue to uphold their public trust.
Ford W. Bell, AAM President commented, "By achieving re-accreditation, the Speed Museum has again demonstrated that it not only meets, but far exceeds the highest standards for U.S. museums." Bell continues, "this Museum embodies excellence, in all that it does, and is a jewel in the crown of Louisville's museum community."

Speed Director, Dr. Charles L. Venable commented, "Only the best museums in the country receive accreditation and I am proud that the Speed once again was awarded the American Association of Museum's "gold seal" of approval for all this institution does for our community and state. This success is a major accomplishment and I want to thank our staff and Trustees for all the hard work they did over the past two years as part of this effort, as well as helping the Museum to score a top level rating with Charity Navigator, which rates charities on the way they are managed and on how effectively they use donated funds to serve the public."

The process of re-accreditation is a rigorous undertaking and can take up to three years to complete. To earn accreditation, a museum must first conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of two museum professionals. The Accreditation Commission, an autonomous body of museum professionals appointed by the AAM Board, considers the self-study and site visit report to determine if the museum is worthy to receive accreditation. The Museum was commended in the Accreditation Visiting Committee Report stating, “With its excellent education programs, an enthusiastic and supportive National Board, and its choice of an internationally respected architect, the Speed enjoys an outstanding and growing national reputation.” The award of re-accreditation will last for ten years. The Speed was first accredited in 1975.
Re-accreditation comes as the Speed embarks on an unprecedented expansion and renovation project that will create a state-of-the-art space for larger special exhibitions, new contemporary art galleries, a family education welcome center, indoor/outdoor café, museum shop, and a multifunctional auditorium for performances, lectures, and entertaining. Additionally, the new Elizabeth P. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park and public Piazza will be created for the display of sculpture that will engage University of Louisville students and faculty and museum visitors.

About the Speed Art Museum
The Speed Art Museum is Kentucky’s largest art museum with a collection that spans 6,000 years of human creativity. An independent museum located on the campus of the University of Louisville, the Speed plays an important role in the cultural and educational life of the region serving more than 30,000 school children annually through community outreach programs, workshops, tours, summer camps, and the award winning Art Sparks interactive gallery. The Museum is situated at a crossroads between the city and the University of Louisville, adjacent to the busiest pedestrian thoroughfare on the University’s campus. To view a virtual tour of the expansion design plans or for more information visit www.speedmuseum.org.

The Speed currently presents Kentucky Antiques from the Noe Collection: A Gift to the Commonwealth, on view through February 5, 2012, Sacred Air Breath of Life: Selections from the Native-American Collection, on view through February 12, 2012, and Quick Start Story Gallery, a family installation, on view through Summer 2012.
Museum hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (open late); Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Galleries are closed on Monday and Tuesday.

General admission to the Museum is $10, free for members.