Dream Chasers: The Art of Living on the Backside
(April 14, 2008- December 31, 2008)

Kentucky Derby Museum Gala

(April 26, 2008)

The 23rd annual Kentucky Derby Museum Gala will take place this year on Saturday, April 26^th.  The black-tie event will be held in a spectacular tent transforming the infield of Churchill Downs into an elegant grand ballroom to remember. Each ticket includes cocktails, a delicious dinner catered by Silver Spoon Catering, and dancing. Honored guests this year include 2007 Derby winning owners Jim and Ida Mae Tafel, Trainer Carl Nafzger and wife Wanda and Winning Jockey Calvin Borel.

Festivities will begin with cocktails at 7:00 p.m., dinner at 8:30 p.m., and dancing at 10:00 p.m.  Attendees not arriving in limousines will also have the benefit of a trolley ride from the parking lot to the infield. (Entrance at Gate 12)

The annual Gala serves as the only fundraising activity for the Museum’s endowment.

For tickets call 637-1111 ext. 227

Oaks Party for Kentucky Derby Museum Members

(May 2, 2008)
Enjoy the Kentucky Derby Museum's Members’ Oaks Party including luncheon, betting windows, big screen TVs and reserved grandstand seating at Churchill Downs. Tickets are $250 for members and $300 for non-members. Call 637-1111 x 226 for information.

Kentucky Colonels Extravaganza at the Museum

(May 3, 2008)

The Museum hosts a private event for the Kentucky Colonels which includes seats at the track and an elegant, indoor buffet and special events. Betting machines are available on site.

For more information call 637-1111 ext. 226

Derby Hat Contest

(May 4, 2008-May 30, 2008)

Each year, the Kentucky Derby Museum invites participants from around the world to enter their beautiful and unique Derby hats in our annual contest.  A panel of judges and guests then rates the hats, with the top twenty to thirty being selected for the 2008 Kentucky Derby Museum’s Derby Hat Exhibit.  We are in search of all types of hats, designer and novelty in either men or ladies’ styles.  Each winner will receive a certificate of participation in the exhibit along with passes to visit the exhibit during the year.  

Would you like to be a part of this exhibit showcasing one of the most celebrated and exciting Derby traditions? All hat styles are needed and creativity is encouraged.

Entries for the Hat Contest will be accepted from Sunday, May 4^th until Friday, May 30^th. Hats must be delivered (personally or via mail) to the Kentucky Derby Museum between the hours of 8am-5pm Monday through Saturday and 11 to 5pm Sunday.  All entries must arrive in a normal shipping box or hatbox and should be accompanied by a completed entry form.  Check the website closer to May for printable entry forms.

Silk Series: Salsa Night

(June 19, 2008)

Enjoy a night of dancing and entertainment in the unique setting of the Museum. Open to the public.

For more information call 637-1111 ext. 226

A Look at Derby Fashion

(April - December 2009)

This dynamic exhibit promises to be a hit for one and all! Ask anyone from locals to internationals and Derby is about one thing--- the HATS of course and the fashion too. In Spring 2009, the exhibit will open with gowns worn to various galas in the city.  Donned by members of high society and celebrities, these gowns will showcase the flavor and elegance of Derby season. In the summer of 2009, the exhibit will transition to Derby day attire highlighting the splendid hats, accessories and outfits worn from Millionaire’s Row down to the Winner’s Circle. From seersucker to florals spanning from 1875 to present day, these fashions will focus on the best of the best from red carpet to Twin Spires.

The Kentucky Derby Gold Cup and the 25^th Anniversary of the Museum

(April - December 2010)

In Spring 2010, we will celebrate our 25^th Anniversary and unveil a feature exhibit to commemorate this occasion. Our largest, most prestigious and hence, most expensive exhibit to date will be a homecoming of Kentucky Derby Gold Cup trophies. After years of searching and pulling the mysteries of these trophies together like the pieces of a torn treasure map, we will unite the largest collection of Derby trophies ever assembled.

This display, including stories from the winners of the Kentucky Derby, along with the top prize in racing, will capture the tradition and history of Thoroughbred excellence in Kentucky. Our curatorial staff has been working for several years researching the locations of all Kentucky Derby Gold Cups given since 1924. A lot can happen over eighty-three years and many of the trophies have changed hands several times, been bought, sold or stolen, even been found in pawn shops! We look forward to sharing these stories and the mysteries with our guests in this prestigious display of the most coveted cup in the industry.