The Frazier Historical Arms Museum is in the final stages of preparation for its opening on Louisville’s Main Street on May 22. What started as one exhibit entitled “Weapons as Art” in 1999 has become a state-of-the-art museum facility through the dedicated efforts of avid collector and visionary Owsley Brown Frazier. A team from the British Royal Armouries visited from London to help with the creation and construction of the museum, which is built around an extensive collection from that venerable English institution as well as the private Frazier collection. Thanks to its unique collaboration with the Royal Armouries, the Frazier Museum tells both sides of the early American story.

The 100,000-square-foot museum houses three floors of artifacts capturing more than 1,000 years of history. It also offers theaters, multimedia and interactive displays, life-size tableaux, live performance areas, and a rooftop garden with an extensive view of the Ohio River.

Program 612

Sculptor Chris Strecker, the Frazier Historical Arms Museum in Louisville, and the Rock Garden String Band. (#612)

Program 623

A visit to the Frazier Historical Arms Museum as it prepares for its upcoming opening; Simply Oaxaca, a Lexington community center and gift shop specializing in hand-crafted Mexican art; and the rock sounds of Louisville’s Blue Umbrellas. (#623)

Program 628

A pre-opening tour of the Frazier Historical Arms Museum in Louisville, new Executive Director Scott Provancher on the future of the Louisville Orchestra, and music by Simpsonville-based acoustic trio the Cumberlands. (#628)

Program 639

A pre-opening tour of the Frazier Historical Arms Museum in Louisville, new Executive Director Scott Provancher on the future of the Louisville Orchestra, and music by Simpsonville-based acoustic trio the Cumberlands. (#639)