KSB Miniatures Collection

A New Way to Look at the World

Journey through one of the world’s largest and most lauded collections of fine-scale art right here in Maysville, Kentucky. The Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection features thousands of 1/12th-scale miniatures(one inch equals one foot) collected by Maysville native Kaye Browning over the past fifty years. Known as the KSB Miniatures Collection, the 3,300-square-foot gallery contains rare and one-of-a-kind pieces, tiny reproductions of items found in international museums and more than 120 furnished miniature houses, room boxes and vignettes. Every scene or individual item inspires viewers to travel through history and worlds of make believe to ignite their own memories and imaginations.

Capture the Essence of the Details

Incredible artistry and craftsmanship make every item in the collection a miniature masterpiece. Some were created by world-famous miniaturists; others were lovingly handcrafted by unknown artisans. All invite you to appreciate the details from a powerful new perspective.

Hometown History

To honor her hometown of Maysville, Kentucky, where Kaye still resides, she commissioned three 1/12th-scale reproductions of historically significant buildings beloved by the community: the Cox Building, the Russell Theatre and the Bethel Baptist Church. All were reproduced by Chicago artisans Allison Ashby and Steve Jedd after months and months of tedious research.

The Russell Theatre, one of only a small number of atmospheric theaters still standing today, is a beloved landmark in the process of being renovated. The miniature theater’s façade, comprised of 11,000 bricks, helped raise money for the restoration by allowing donors to sponsor a brick in commemoration of a loved one.

The Cox Building in miniature also played an important part in preserving Maysville’s past when the 1887 building’s roofline was destroyed by fire in 2010. With no original blueprints or diagrams, the artisans’ plans and miniature structure were used to design the reconstruction of the architectural treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition, many miniatures represent the rich regional history of Maysville and the surrounding areas such as the 1/12th-scale Mason County chest and Aaron Corwine painting displayed alongside the museum originals

The Art of Whimsy

There is something for everyone in the KSB Miniatures Collection including the very young who find our children’s exhibit of fairy tales and nursery rhymes irresistible. In addition, many scenesoffer a whimsical look at life, such as our Red Hat Ladiesroom box, Harry Potter exhibit and array of miniature toy vignettescomplete with diminutive replicas of antique dolls, games, trains and other playthings of the past. The gallery also has the distinction of being a Christmas destination withhundreds of festive wreaths, trees and other holiday miniatures adorning the exhibits, which are changed out four times a year to mimic life throughout the seasons.