Who Was the Speed Art Museum Named After?

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The Speed Art Museum, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the oldest and most esteemed art museums in the United States. Founded in 1925 by philanthropists Hattie Bishop Speed and James Breckenridge Speed, the museum has served as a resource for art education, research, and appreciation since its inception. As a memorial to their son, John Breckinridge Speed, the museum was named for him in 1927.

John Breckinridge Speed was born on February 4th, 1873. He was an influential businessman who made his fortune as president of the Louisville Gas & Electric Company from 1910 to 1920. He also served on the board of directors at several companies in Louisville and surrounding areas.

In addition to his business career, John Breckinridge Speed was an avid art collector. He traveled extensively throughout Europe collecting works from various periods and styles. His collection included paintings by American artists such as Thomas Eakins and Augustus Saint-Gaudens as well as European masters like Rembrandt van Rijn and Peter Paul Rubens.

John Breckinridge Speed’s philanthropic interests extended beyond his business endeavors; he was a generous donor to numerous organizations including the Red Cross and YMCA of Louisville. In addition to donating funds to these organizations, he also bequeathed works from his personal collection to area institutions such as the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

The legacy of John Breckinridge Speed lives on. His generosity towards organizations that benefit society is remembered through the many contributions he made during his lifetime. The museum bearing his name continues to serve as a valuable cultural resource for visitors year round.

To this day, Who Was The Speed Art Museum Named After? remains an important part of Louisville’s history. John Breckinridge Speed’s legacy is remembered through his generous philanthropy and passion for collecting artwork.

Conclusion: The Speed Art Museum in Louisville Kentucky is named after John Breckinridge Speed – a notable businessman who had a passion for collecting artwork from around the world. He devoted much of his life to philanthropy, providing donations to numerous organizations that benefited society during his lifetime. His legacy continues to live on through this museum which serves as a valuable cultural resource for visitors year round.