The National Quilt Museum (NQM) in Paducah, Kentucky celebrates their 20th anniversary. Guests from all states and several countries are expected to visit this year.
The NQM is impressive. As you enter in the lobby, you will see quilt patterned stained glass windows. The international museum showcases contemporary, miniature, and antique quilts.
In the three galleries, there may be as many as 150 quilts on display on any day. There are always new, frequently changing exhibitions, as many as a dozen a year. The museum collection includes quilts from 46 of the 50 states and 16 countries.
Cost: Adults/$10, Seniors (60 & over)/$8, Students/$5. Children 12 & under are free when accompanied by an adult. Group Rates are available, Scheduled School groups are free and, there are discounts for AAA members.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (central time) Between April 1 – October 31, the museum is also open Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
ADA: The National Quilt Museum is ADA compliant with wheel chair access to all galleries and restroom facilities. The museum keeps 2 complimentary wheelchairs and available to visitors.
William Clark and the Trail of Discovery
Also on the grounds at The National Quilt Museum, see the On the Trail of Discovery sculptures which celebrate the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
William Clark’s connection to Paducah:
William Clark founded the city and purchased the land for $5. In 1827 he drew the plat map laying out the city of Paducah and named the city after a tribe of friendly Native Americans.
Clark had many accomplishments in his life but being co-captain of the Lewis and Clark Expedition is probably his greatest claim to fame. He is honored in historic downtown Paducah by the Trail of Discovery statue depicting him in his role as co-captain.
The original plat drawn by William Clark is in Paducah’s Market House Museum.
Getting There
Paducah is at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, halfway between St. Louis, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee on Interstate 24 and less than 300 miles from Branson, Missouri.
More Information
Paducah-McCracken County
Kentucky Convention and Visitor Bureau
128 Broadway
Paducah, KY 42001
Phone: 270-443-8783, 800-PADUCAH
The National Quilt Museum
215 Jefferson Street
Paducah, KY 42001
Phone: 270.442.8856
National Quilt Museum Video: 25th Annual AQS Paducah Quilt Show
Photos courtesy of National Quilt Museum
Read more about travel opportunities for quilters
Traveling square by square – Quilting tourism
