The Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum, which sits on the front steps of historic Churchill Downs, is a very visible part of our community. Graciously welcoming over 200,000 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.

The Kentucky Derby Museum, in addition to being the guardian 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.

The Kentucky Derby Museum opened to the public in April 1985 upon 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. J. Graham Brown was Chairman of the Board of Directors for Churchill Downs and a Thoroughbred owner. He felt that the Derby and Churchill Downs needed a more appropriate facility to hold and interpret the significant history and meaning of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. In his will, Brown provided the financial means and rudimentary governance structure to create a non-profit organization, which is now the Kentucky Derby Museum. Although the Museum maintains a strong relationship with Churchill Downs, it functions as an entirely separate entity with self-generating revenue for its operating budget.

In June 1999, the Museum undertook a 10 million-dollar renovation and 10,000 square foot expansion which was completed in April 2000. The funding for the renovation/expansion was secured from the J. Graham Brown Foundation, Board members and five Thoroughbred owners. Churchill Downs again donated land for the expansion. The Museum has welcomed over 2,014,000 visitors from all over the world since opening. The Museum’s revenue is generated by visits to the Museum, gift shop sales and rental income as well as generous sponsorships and grants from the community.

The Museum has had four Executive Directors: William Ray (1983-1988); Randy Ray* (1988-1994); David Wagner (1994-1996); and Lynn Ashton (1997-present).

* Randy Ray is not related to William Ray.

On August 4th, 2009 the Museum received massive damage by flood waters. The flood destroyed many exhibits on the first floor and devastated the lower level offices, artifact storage areas and Museum archives. Visit our flood blog to read more about the flood. On November 2nd the Musuem announced a major renovation. The Kentucky Derby Museum will re-open on Sunday, April 18, 2010 with new exhibits, more interactive experiences and a fresh mission of sharing the FUN of the Kentucky Derby experience. This $6 million dollar renovation project will tackle a large scale effort usually accomplished by museums in a period of 18 months. Both floors of the museum will change during the construction providing a larger “fan” experience on the main floor with new celebrity, infield and fashion themes introduced. The second floor of the museum will focus on the stories of champion horses, trainers, jockeys and owners along with inside looks at racing and Derby.

During the renovation, the Museum will have a gift shop open and tours will be operated out of Gate 17 of Churchill Downs. On the Historic Walking Tour you can visit the Museum’s resident Thoroughbred and miniature horse as well as the gravesites of three famous Kentucky Derby winners, Carry Back (1961), Swaps (1955), Brokers Tip (1933), and Sunny’s Halo (1983) located outside in the garden terrace.