Current Exhibits

On April 26th, 2009 after the dedication of the Barbaro memorial sculpture at Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum will open a tribute exhibit, Barbaro: The Heart of a Winner. This exhibit will offer a multi-dimensional view of Barbaro as a champion athlete and a fighter; a horse that rose to the top of his game by winning the Kentucky Derby and then struggling against long odds for survival. The exhibit will feature his racing accomplishments, his connection with fans and children, his struggle to overcome injury and his ability to capture the hearts of many.

Barbaro’s story is the passion he evoked in people of all ages- from race fans to those who’d never seen a race. He affected the hearts of millions of people around the world and that affection ultimately garnered needed attention for the mysteries of laminitis. The Barbaro exhibit will help our more than 210,000 yearly visitors understand more about these incredible animals and their challenges. The exhibit will document his struggle with laminitis along with the extensive medical care he received. We will showcase objects that relate to his racing career in his campaign to the Kentucky Derby and beyond.

Barbaro's heroic struggle especially impacted the hearts of children from across the nation. To honor this connection to children everywhere, the exhibit features interactive elements designed especially for youth.

We are honored to share Barbaro’s legend with guests from around the world in this site of his greatest victory.

Special features include:
2006 Kentucky Derby Gold Cup, racing silks, Edgar Prado’s racing saddle, fan mail and scrap book. Guests will also be able to record their thoughts about Barbaro in a video booth. The digital sentiments will then be posted on youtube.com.

The Kentucky Derby is more than a horse race. It is a mood, an excitement and an atmosphere that create a culture around the track. The events and clothing tied to that culture can be traced back to 1875. Many of the seasonal festivities historically kicked off with black-tie charity balls and a Derby day hasn’t passed at the track without a celebration of festive hats.

For the first time, the great traditions of more than one hundred years of outrageous fashion at this infamous race will be explored and admired in one location. This exhibition will showcase the fashion of Derby winning owners, local residents, couture designers and celebrities through the decades. The exhibit will also demonstrate the impact fashion has on the Derby and the economy in Louisville.

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.

Part I: April 10, 2009- August 1, 2009

The exhibit opens with a display of lavish gowns on April 10th. Each decade since 1875 (the year of the first Kentucky Derby) will be represented by gowns styled on 60 mannequins.

Donned by members of high society and celebrities, these gowns will showcase the flavor and elegance of Derby season. Gowns will be included from Armani, Issey Miyake, Nina Ricci, Karl Lagerfeld, Bob Mackie, Chanel, Escada, Carolina Herrara and Bill Blass, along with vintage dresses from the 20’s and 30’s and antique outfits from the late 1800’s.

As an addition to this special collection, elaborate beaded gowns loaned by well-known Kentucky Derby celebrity hostess Tricia Barnstable will be also be displayed.

Part II: August 31, 2009- December 31, 2009:

In the summer of 2009, this fashion retrospective will transition to Derby day attire highlighting splendid hats, accessories and outfits worn from Millionaire’s Row down to the Winner’s Circle. From spectator neutrals to florals, these fashions will focus on the best of the best from red carpet to Twin Spires.