Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did the name change to The National Quilt Museum?
A: We were founded in 1991 as the Museum of the American Quilters Society (MAQS). In 2008 a special act of Congress awarded us the designation of "The National Quilt Museum of the United States." Click here for the history of the museum.

Q: Where is The National Quilt Museum Located?
A: In the heart of Historic Downtown Paducah; 215 Jefferson Street, Paducah, Kentucky 42001

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Q: The quilt museum is in Kentucky.
A: This museum was founded in 1991 by Bill and Meredith Schroeder of Paducah, Kentucky. In 1985 they became interested in quilt making and started the American Quilter's Society (AQS) and its international quilt show held each year in April. In 1991 they built this museum so that quilts could be exhibited all year long. They wanted this museum to be in the city of Paducah.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Friends of the Museum can visit as many times per year for free while they are Friends. Click here if you are interested in information about becoming a Friend of the Museum. For others the fees are:

Q: What are your hours?
A: 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 but open regular hours on all other holidays.

Q: Are you open year round?
A: The National Quilt Museum is open to the public year-round.

Q: I visited a few years ago. Will I see the same quilts?
A: Frequently changing exhibits - 10 - 12 exhibits per year - and more than 150 quilts on display at all times make each visit a new and unique experience!

Q: What about parking?
A: The museum's parking lot, including handicap spots, is adjacent to the building. Additional parking is available on the street behind and in front of the building. A free municipal lot is across the street and an additional one is one block away. The museum is motorcoach friendly!

Q: Is the Museum handicap accessible?
A: The National Quilt Museum is ADA compliant with wheel chair access to all galleries and restroom facilities. If there are special needs required, we recommend contacting the staff of the museum prior to your visit. The museum keeps 2 complimentary wheelchairs available to visitors. Large print material is available upon request.

Q: What type of quilts will we see?
A: We collect contemporary quilts. But you will see an impressive array of fiber art. The Museum, which is committed to, "Honoring Today's Quilter," has a collection of award-winning quilts ranging from non-representational compositions to intricate realistic scenes. The museum also hosts frequently changing exhibits of antique and contemporary quilt-making.

Q: My friend isn't particularly interested in quilts. What can they do while I'm at the Museum?
A: We would encourage your friend to experience the Museum. Anyone interested in art will be interested in our exhibits. We take a new look at an old art form and find a distinctively diverse level that is interesting to everyone - young and old, women and men, quilters and non-quilters alike. However, Historic Downtown Paducah has a wide variety of other attractions, including art galleries, Paducah's History on more than 50 Floodwall Murals, 3 additional museums within walking distance, eclectic shopping, dining, antique stores and a beautiful waterfront to enjoy. Our Lowertown Arts District is also just blocks from downtown.

Q: What else is at the Museum?
A: Art abounds at the Museum - and it's not all about quilts! William and Meredith Schroeder dedicated the historical marker and bronze statues, "On the Trail of Discovery," by George Lundeen, on the Museum lawn. Our free lobby area showcases stained glass windows based on quilts and several other fine sculptures. A hand carved wooden quilt is a lesson in how your eyes can fool your brain!

Visit on a Wednesday, and get a special insight into quilting with the YO YO Club of Paducah. Visitors can watch and learn the tradition of hand quilting as these local ladies work on a quilt frame setup in the lobby.