The Kentucky Military History Museum fills the circa-1850 Old State Arsenal in Frankfort with Kentucky firearms, uniforms and war records.
Don’t miss
- Kentucky Military Treasures exhibit
- George M. Chinn: Sights Set on Innovation exhibit
- Gothic Revival Old State Arsenal building (Civil War munitions factory)
- 19th-century firearms and sabers displayed with uniforms and letters
Our notes
The Kentucky Military History Museum is in the 1850 Old State Arsenal in Frankfort, part of the Kentucky Historical Society. Its arms collection is built around Col. George Chinn’s automatic weapons collection, including machine guns that came from the Smithsonian in 1965.
Timeline
- 1850 State Arsenal built
- 1974 Museum opens
Plan your visit
- Reopened Nov 11, 2025 after about a year of renovations.
- Parking is limited; overflow parking at 100 W Broadway.
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Nearby on the guide
More history: All firearm museums · Kentucky guide
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