Celebrating 25 Years of Design/Build Excellence

Solid Light begins its yearlong 25th anniversary celebration this month! 

Solid Light had humble beginnings. Headquartered in an attic home office, Cynthia Torp founded the company in March 1999 to design and build experiences that create change. Torp’s “north star,” to create change, was applied to an early project revealing the untold stories of the Underground Railroad in the Ohio Valley. This approach to storytelling, challenging preconceptions and evaluating the stories for full representation of those lived experiences, continues to drive Solid Light projects today.  

Fast forward to 2024, Solid Light projects are no longer housed in an attic. From the German Bank building on Market Street to the renovation of a historic building on Third Street, Solid Light’s growth and success over the past 25 years can be observed at the 55,000-square-foot facility on Fifth Street in downtown Louisville, with more than 40 full-time administration, design, media, and fabrication staff.  

Pushing boundaries and redefining the standard for experience design, Solid Light developed and introduced the application of Emotional Mapping to the industry with the successful completion of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, VA. The company’s commitment to storytelling has resulted in projects that not only captivate the senses but also resonate with a deep emotional connection. 

Founder and CEO Cynthia Torp expressed gratitude for the incredible journey. “I’m proud to be headquartered in Louisville. Reaching this 25-year milestone is a testament to our team, our partners, our clients, and our community,” says Torp. “We’ve had the privilege of turning client vision into reality–locally and nationally, across industries.” 

Solid Light has created spaces that tell stories and evoke human connection for aquariums, distilleries, corporate offices, museums, parks, and visitor centers. 

Regional projects include Secretariat: America’s Horse at the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, the Bourbon District, Louisville WaterWorks Museum, and Visit Lex. 

National clients include the American Printing House for the Blind’s The Dot Experience, the American Civil War Museum, the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the National Susan B. Anthony Museum, and the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center. 

In honor of this significant milestone, Solid Light is planning a series of events and collaborations throughout the year, inviting clients, partners, and the community to join in the celebration. From exclusive showcases to interactive exhibits, the company aims to share its journey and recognize those who have made it possible.

As Solid Light embarks on the next chapter, the team expresses gratitude to clients, partners, and the community for their support. Here’s to 25 years of creativity, innovation, and building lasting memories!