Last updated on August 25, 2008

The mission of the Headley-Whitney Museum shall be to enrich the life of the whole community by fostering knowledge, enjoyment and appreciation of the decorative arts.

Description:
The Headley-Whitney Museum is a decorative arts museum. Its permanent collections include George Headley's jewelry, designs, and bibelots (fanciful jeweled objects), the Marylou Whitney Estate Dollhouses, the Headley Library, and the Shell Grotto. The main gallery hosts 3-4 temporary exhibitions each year, including those from the Smithsonian Institute, international traveling exhibitions, and those of local interest. The Museum is a member of the Smithsonian Affiliations Program.

The Museum's exhibitions and educational programs bring a diverse range of artifacts from a wide range of cultural interests. Through education and community involvement, the Museum reaches children and adults from across Central Kentucky and beyond. Educational programs help visitors to understand the cultural meanings behind various exhibitions, gain a better appreciation of the arts, and helps them to better understand their own creative endeavors.

Through family and school educational programming, the Museum helps teachers reach KERA goals. To do so, the Museum provides guided tours through exhibitions in able to ensure a better appreciation and understanding for visitors of all ages. We also offer supplemental activities designed to foster creativity and help students relate art to their personal lives.

History:
Named after its founder, George W. Headley III, and museum benefactors, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney and Marylou Whitney, the Headley-Whitney Museum features a fascinating and diverse permanent collection of objects, in addition to hosting both international and regional exhibitions.

George W. Headley (1908 – 1985) studied art in both New York and Paris and later apprenticed as a designer with New York jeweler Paul Flato in the 1930s. In the early 1940s, Headley opened his own jewelry boutique that catered to a clientele of Hollywood starlets at the Hotel Bel-Air in California. After nearly a decade of success on the West Coast, Headley returned here to his family farm, and continued his career designing jewelry and bibelots. In 1960, Headley married Barbara Whitney (d.1982), who was the sister of renowned Kentucky horseman C.V. Whitney (1899-1992) and the daughter of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (d. 1942), founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.

Set in the heart of the Kentucky bluegrass, the Headley-Whitney Museum began in 1966 as a private display gallery for Headley’s own work and collections. In 1968, Headley opened his distinctive Jewel Room and Library building to the public. The George W. Headley Bibelot and Jewel Room, Headley Library Collection, Shell Grotto, Whitney Estate Dollhouses, and Marylou Whitney Garden create a unique and unforgettable experience for all of our visitors.

The Labelle House, which was once the Headley family home, was acquired by the museum in 2001. This beautiful historic building is now used for weddings, private events and museum programs.

Contact people:

Amanda Harris, Education Curator, (phone), (email) Sarah Henrich, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (859) 255-8375

Address:

4435 Old Frankfort Pike Lexington, KY 40510 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.headley-whitney.org

Directions:

From New Circle Road, take exit 6 toward Frankfort (Old Frankfort Pike). The Headley-Whitney Museum will be on the right in approximately 4.5 miles (there will be a sign about 100 yards before the entrance). From Main Street in Downtown Lexington, travel West past Rupp Arena and Heritage Hall. Turn left onto Jefferson Street at the first stop light. Turn right onto Manchester Street, which will become Old Frankfort Pike. Continue straight for approximately 7 miles, past the Fayette Humane Society, Fayette County Detention Center, Alexandria Drive, and Yarnalton Pike. Soon after Yarnalton Pike, there will be a sign 100 yards before the entrance on the right.

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