WHO WE ARE

MISSION:
To ENGAGE, EDUCATE, and EXCITE EVERYONE 
about the extraordinary experience that is the Kentucky Derby!

The Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the premiere attractions in the Louisville region, celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality and pride of the world-renown event that is the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby Museum first opened its doors in April 1985. Although the Museum sits adjacent to historic Churchill Downs Racetrack, it operates as a separate 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, generating its own revenue. The Museum’s property was donated by Churchill Downs Racetrack and the construction of the facility and seed money for its endowment fund was provided by the J. Graham Brown Foundation and five banks in the community.
In 2010, the Kentucky Derby Museum’s 25th Anniversary was marked with a $5.5 million renovation which dramatically transformed the Museum’s interior from top to bottom. The Museum embraced the renovation project after a severe flash flood devastated the main floor exhibits and lower level offices in August of 2009. During the nine months of closure, the Museum created all new exhibits and themes, developed research and embraced the mission to engage, educate and excite everyone about the extraordinary experience that is the Kentucky Derby.

The Museum has welcomed millions of visitors from all over the world including celebrities Bo Derek, Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, Muhammad Ali, Sigourney Weaver, Gene Simmons, Susan St. James, Dick Ebersol, President Mikhail Gorbachev and First Minister of Scotland to name a few.
The Kentucky Derby Museum, in addition to preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby, offers so much more to the community. The education department offers free educational programs to all public and parochial schools within the states of Kentucky and Indiana that focus on Core Academic standards. Through these programs, students learn about the economics, history and significance of the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the premiere attractions in the Louisville region, celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality and pride of the world-renown event that is the Kentucky Derby.
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The Kentucky Derby Museum, in addition to preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby, offers so much more to the community. The education department offers free educational programs to all public and parochial schools within the states of Kentucky and Indiana that focus on Core Academic standards. Through these programs, students learn about the economics, history and significance of the Kentucky Derby.

Events Coming Up 

Horse, Haunts & Hooch 
October 26, 2017

Join us for a night of Horses & Haunts…and HOOCH! Get into the Halloween spirit with a tour of the Kentucky Derby Museum’s cemetery and the “darker side” of historic Churchill Downs Racetrack to hear creepy stories of legends and lore! Then return to the Museum for a spirited party! Enjoy complimentary food & drink, live music with DJ Brios and aerial entertainment by Suspend Louisville!
Advance tickets: $35/Person or $30/Member
21+ only

Registration ends on Thursday, October 26

Cakes with Kris Kringle 

Two different seatings each date:
  • 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
  • 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Pancakes & Hot Chocolate Bar, Photos with Santa, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Ornament Workshop, Meet & Greet with resident Miniature Horse, Winston, and so much more!
Under the age of 1 is free!

​PRICE: $25/PER PERSON | $20/PER MUSEUM MEMBER | UNDER THE AGE OF 1 IS FREE

The Works Tour & Breakfast 

The Works Tour & Breakfast is back on November 24! This tour provides guests with a full day at the Museum and Churchill Down Racetrack.
"The Works" Tour & Breakfast schedule:
  • Arrive at 8:15 a.m.
  • 8:30 a.m.: Guests will head to Churchill Downs Racetrack to watch the horses as they go through their morning workout. Over a light breakfast, a tour guide will discuss the action on the track, including the ins and outs of training Thoroughbreds as well as handicapping a race.
  • 10:00 a.m.: Guests will return to the Museum to explore two-floors of interactive exhibits and see “The Greatest Race.”
  • 10:45 a.m.: Guests will go “Inside the Vault” of the Kentucky Derby Museum. The "Inside the Vault" tour brings guests up close to view rare artifacts, valuable trinkets, and treasures not currently on display.
  • 12:00 p.m.: Tickets also include admission to a day of live racing at Churchill Downs Racetrack, with general admission or box seat options.

Rent Our Museum 

Special Events 

The Museum provides a truly unique setting to host a gala, recital, awards program, panel discussion, holiday party, birthday, retirement party, fundraiser or any special event up to 1000 guests.
The Museum boasts customizable indoor and outdoor spaces, exhilarating exhibits, amenities, tours of historic Churchill Downs and more that exude a day at the races.

Wedding Services 

Invite us to your big day and we'll make your wedding dreams a reality.
From an elegant indoor ceremony in The Great Hall complete with 360° movie screens to project your story to a fun and memorable outdoor reception on the Oaks Garden Terrace with Winston our miniature horse, our onsite wedding host will guide you effortlessly through the entire process for up to 1000 guests.

Bourbon Experience 

Bourbon and the Kentucky Derby are synonymous with the city of Louisville, two industries that have contributed to the history of the city and are part of its enduring culture. Your experience isn't complete without taking a few sips and some knowledge back home. Your guests now have an exclusive opportunity to learn some bourbon basics or become a real tasting pro with help from best-selling author and the Museum's Bourbon Authority, Fred Minnick.

Catering

The Silver Spoon is the Kentucky Derby Museum’s exclusive in-house, full-service caterer providing both exquisite cuisine and professional event services.
The Silver Spoon has been recognized as "Best Caterer" by Louisville Magazine and LEO Newsweekly and voted The Knot Best of Weddings.

Meetings & Corporate Events 

The Museum provides a one-of-a-kind setting to host business associates, corporate events, meetings, cocktail receptions, and seminars up to 1000 guests, day and night.
The Museum boasts customizable indoor and outdoor spaces, exhilarating exhibits, amenities, tours of historic Churchill Downs Racetrack and more that exude a day at the races.

Rental Space 

To schedule a site visit or for more information:
Amie Milby
Senior Sales and Special Event Manager
(502) 992-5903 / AMilby@DerbyMuseum.org ​

Kentucky Derby Museum 

​The Kentucky Derby Museum Permanent Collection

The Kentucky Derby Museum houses over 20,000 items, consisting of artifact and library materials. Artifact collections include items belonging to renowned trainers H.A. “Jimmy” Jones and Woodford C. “Woody” Stephens and world famous jockey Bill Shoemaker. Library collections consist of books, photos, periodicals, manuscripts and film and video and include written and printed materials documenting the history of Churchill Downs Racetrack from 1875 to present day.
​One of the Museum’s featured research collections is that of turf and sports writer Jim Bolus. This collection consists of newspaper articles, handwritten notes, photos and audio interviews documenting the history of the Kentucky Derby and Thoroughbred racing from 1875-1995. Click "See Our Collections" below to search contents of the Bolus Collection.
The research collections of the museum can be viewed in the Colonel Clark Library. The library is available Monday through Friday during normal operating hours, but an appointment is required.

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