Last updated: 5/27/2011
704 Central Ave
Louisville, KY 40208
P O Box 21177
Louisville, KY 40221
Monday - Saturday
8 AM - 5 PM
Monday - Saturday
9 AM - 5 PM
Adults $13.00
Senior Citizens (55+): $12.00
Young Adults (13-18): $11.00
Children (5-12): $5.00
Children (Under 5): FREE
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Lynn Ashton
phone: 502-992-5900
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Sherry Crose
phone: 502-992-5901
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Chris Goodlett
phone: 502-992-5917
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Brenda Kiefer
phone: 502-271-5337
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Wendy Treinen
phone: 502-992-5910
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Erik Brown
phone: 502-992-5903
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Amanda Brown
phone:
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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.
Sharing the fun of the Kentucky Derby Experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Auditoriums
Lecture Halls
Performance Areas
Access: Scholars
Appointment required: Yes
Museum newsletter is published for members of the museum.
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Restaurant
Group Tours
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