Event Calendar

April 9, 2009

Simply Chic & the Grand Opening of Derby Decades

Looking for the perfect dress? Then don’t miss out on this silent auction featuring many stylish little black dresses donated by St. Matthews and Oxmoor Center retailers along with New York fashion designers including Carmen Marc Valvo, Milly, Nanette Lepore and Cynthia Steffe. Gabriel Amar, designer for Frank Olive hats has created magnificent one of a kind hats to go with several dresses. Tickets include fabulous cocktails, appetizers and a sneak preview of our exciting new exhibit Derby Decades ~ Simply Chic.

Tickets $35 per person if purchased before April 2nd, $50 if after April 2nd and at the door.

Click here to buy tickets.

April 25, 2009

Kentucky Derby Museum Gala

The 24th annual Kentucky Derby Museum Gala will take place this year on Saturday, April 25th. 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.

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. 228

April 26, 2009

Barbaro Memorial Breakfast- Tickets on Sale NOW!

Barbaro Memorial Breakfast 8 am - 10 am
Tickets $150/pp Partial proceeds benefit Barbaro Fund for Laminitis Research

Join the Kentucky Derby Museum for a lavish, gourmet, Kentucky breakfast preceding the unveiling of the Barbaro Memorial hosted by Barbaro’s owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson. Guests will hear an exclusive “Making of the Memorial” presentation by sculptor Alexa King. Tickets include a private opening of the museum’s new Barbaro: Heart of a Winner exhibit.

Click here to buy tickets.
Advance reservations are required.

May 1, 2009

Oaks Party for Kentucky Derby Museum Members

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.

May 2, 2009

Kentucky Colonels Extravaganza at the Museum

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

May 3, 2008 - May 31, 2009

Derby Hat Contest

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 4th until Friday, May 30th. 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.

June 7, 2009

Fabulous Fashions from the Forties - Deb Jordan

Ms. Jordan, an Indiana native, bought a sack full of vintage 1940’s clothes several years ago. She liked what she found and the auctioneer said there were more items available. Most of the clothes came from the estate of a southern Indiana dress shop clerk and Ms. Jordan found clothes turned inside out and neatly folded inside feed sacks and stuffed into boxes. Ms. Jordan will share the stories of ‘40’s fashion and showcase this exclusive collection during a ladies’ tea and fashion show. This is the second in the series “Derby Decades: Simply Chic”. Check back soon for more information.

August 20, 2009

Hollywood Dressed and Undressed - Sandy Schreier

Ms. Schreier owns the largest private collection, 10,000 museum quality pieces, of 20th Century French Couture, American Fashion and Hollywood costumes. Her lecture "Hollywood Dressed and Undressed" is the third in the series "Derby Decades: Simply Chic". Check back soon for more information.

October 9, 2009

Carla Sue Broecker

Ms. Broecker, a Louisvillian and noted historian, will share with the audience Louisville’s fashion history and the stories of how the fashion collection was created at the Louisville Science Center. This is the fourth in the series “Derby Decades: Simply Chic”. Check back soon for more information.