Last updated: 5/27/2011
Louisville, Kentucky
Street Address
704 Central AveLouisville, KY 40208
Mailing Address
P O Box 21177Louisville, KY 40221
phone: 502-637-1111
e-mail: info@derbymuseum.org
web: www.derbymuseum.org

Hours

March 15- Nov. 30th
Monday - Saturday
8 AM - 5 PM
Sunday
11 AM - 5 PM
Dec. 1- Mar. 14
Monday - Saturday
9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday
11 AM - 5 PM

Admissions

Adults $13.00
Senior Citizens (55+): $12.00
Young Adults (13-18): $11.00
Children (5-12): $5.00
Children (Under 5): FREE

Staff

Lynn Ashton
phone: 502-992-5900
Sherry Crose
phone: 502-992-5901
Chris Goodlett
phone: 502-992-5917
Brenda Kiefer
phone: 502-271-5337
Wendy Treinen
phone: 502-992-5910
Erik Brown
phone: 502-992-5903
Amanda Brown
phone:
Description

We have everything you need all in one place at our Finish Line Giftshop. From Derby hats to one-of-a-kind collectables. The Kentucky Derby Museum online store can be accessed at www.derbymuseumstore.com

Featuring more than 10,000 square feet of versatile function space, our exciting venue can be customized to your individual taste and style. From the classic elegance of our Great Hall to the scenic Kentucky Oaks Terrace, our rooms and outdoor options exude the thrills of a day at the races.

The Derby Cafe is open from 11 AM - 3 PM daily serving classic lunch items with Kentucky flair

Take a guided walking tour of historic Churchill Downs. Learn about past Derby winners and the rich history of this location.

The Kentucky Derby Museum, which sits on the front steps of historic Churchill Downs, is a very visible part of our community as one of Louisville’s premiere attractions. Graciously welcoming over 210,000 guests through the doors each year and giving them a first hand look at the event for which Louisville, Kentucky is known worldwide. The Museum aims to provide a lasting impression of tradition, hospitality and pride to our many visitors.

Opening to the public in April 1985, the Kentucky Derby Museum sits on land that Churchill Downs donated to the non-profit corporation. The construction of the facility and seed money for the endowment fund was provided by the J. Graham Brown Foundation and five banks in the community. Although the Museum maintains a strong relationship with Churchill Downs, it functions as an entirely separate entity with self-generating revenue for its non-profit operating budget.

2010 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Kentucky Derby Museum with a 5.5 million dollar renovation which dramatically transforms the museum 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 of the museum in August of 2009. During the 9 months of closure, the museum created all new themes, developed new research and embraced the mission of “sharing the fun of the Kentucky Derby experience”. The Museum has welcomed more than 4 million visitors from all over the world including celebrities Bo Derek, Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, Muhammad Ali, Sigourney Weaver, Gene Simmons, Susan St. James, Dick Eversoll, O.J. Simpson, President Mikhail Gorbachev, and First Minister of Scotland.

Mission

Sharing the fun of the Kentucky Derby Experience.

History

Opened in 1985 with a generous endowment from the J. Graham Brown foundation in an effort to promote, preserve and advance the traditions of the Kentucky Derby. The museum is a 5013c non-profit facility operating off revenue generated by gift shop sales, tourism and rental income.

Artifact Collections

The Kentucky Derby Museum houses over 20,000 items consisting of both 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.

Research Collections

Library collections consist of books, photos, periodicals, manuscripts and film and video and include written and printed materials documenting the history of Churchill Downs from 1875 to the 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.

Educational Programs

The Kentucky Derby Museum, in addition to preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby, offers so much more to our community. Through our Education Department, we offer a free kids program to all public and parochial schools within the states of Indiana and Kentucky. Our Outreach Program travels to communities within our state to educate Kentucky youth about the economics, history and significance of the Kentucky Derby.

Facilities
Auditoriums
Lecture Halls
Performance Areas
Governance

Non-profit Board Members

Library
Access: Scholars
Appointment required: Yes
Publications

Museum newsletter is published for members of the museum.

Inside Track
Services
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Restaurant
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

08/01 Joel Lane Museum House

Raleigh, North Carolina

03/07 The Mariners' Museum and Park

Newport News, Virginia

Museum Vendors

02/18 Tessellate

New York City, New York

10/30 Museum Fabrication Group, LLC

Denton, Texas

03/07 ConservArt Inc.

Boca Raton, Florida