Home » Historic Brown Hotel’s Roof Garden reopens in Louisville

Historic Brown Hotel’s Roof Garden reopens in Louisville

Scenic space to host parties and events for first time since 1970s

This is the view from The Brown Hotel's Roof Garden. (Courtesy of The Brown Hotel)
This is the view from The Brown Hotel’s Roof Garden. (Courtesy of The Brown Hotel)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 12, 2016) — For the first time since the 1970s, The Brown Hotel’s Roof Garden is open. The historic hotel’s 16th floor space, which originally opened in 1928 and hosted hundreds of lavish dance parties before its closing in Feb. 1971, has undergone six months of structural and aesthetic updates including lush landscaping and stunning copper and wrought iron accents.

The long-forgotten venue will be used for private functions accommodating standing receptions of up to 300 guests and seated dinners for 200. Atop one of Louisville’s tallest buildings and set back from other local skyscrapers, The Brown Hotel’s Roof Garden offers a clear and picturesque view of the city.

“The excitement around reopening this storied space has been overwhelming,” said general manager Brad Walker. “We are thrilled to explore the endless options for parties and special events in this iconic venue.”

The Roof Garden was billed in the 1930s as “the most beautiful spot in town … above the city noises where the air is pure and the breezes cool.”

From .85-cent luncheons on the ‘open terrace’ to holiday proms and officers’ balls, the rooftop was a place to see and be seen for many years. It was said to have a “gorgeous view of the city and surrounding country that lends a distinctive out-of-doors atmosphere.”

Wedding ceremonies, business luncheons and other custom events can be booked in the 3600 square foot roof-top area. The Roof Garden is also available as an add-on space for gatherings big and small hosted in the Crystal Ballroom, Bluegrass Room and other Brown Hotel meeting places. The hotel hopes to plan occasional pop-up dining events and live music nights in the Roof Garden in warmer months.

About the Brown Hotel: A Louisville tradition since 1923, The Brown Hotel is home to the four-star English Grill fine dining restaurant, quintessential Lobby Bar and casual breakfast and lunch venue J. Graham’s Café, where guests can try the legendary Hot Brown sandwich. Located at the corner of Fourth and Broadway, the AAA Four-Diamond hotel is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts and Historic Hotels of America. Named to Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best list and one of Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 30 Hotels in the South,” the 293-room luxury venue is part of 1859 Historic Hotels Ltd. For more information, visit brownhotel.com or call (502) 583-1234.