The museum is a 501c3 organization located in the West Main District of downtown Louisville, Kentucky.

The museum[1] was founded in 1981 as the Kentucky Art and Craft Foundation to build interest in the state's craft heritage which quickly led to a one of a kind collection of American Folk Art from the region.

[2] In 2001, the organization relocated to its current home, a four-story historic cast iron structure.

In 2016, after closing nearly for a year, the organization completed a $3 million renovation and restoration[3] of the Main Street building by Christoff: Finio Architects, NY., formally changed the name to KMAC Contemporary Art Museum and achieved sponsorship of free daily admission.

The museum now offers free programming for 100,000 students, community members and tourists, alike.