Kentucky Derby Museum is open with precautions in place to keep you safe. As the exclusive tour partner with Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby Museum now has access to the invitation-only venue known as The Mansion at Churchill Downs. Explore this lavish space with incredible views on two of our tours: Behind the Scenes and our After-Hours tours. With general admission, you can enjoy our epic 18-minute film, "The Greatest Race," explore our interactive exhibits and get a taste of Kentucky in our Derby Cafe Express. Stop by our Gift Shop to commemorate your visit with something authentically Kentucky!
This is your chance to see Thoroughbreds working out at Churchill Downs, with exercise riders and trainers watching with a close eye! Set your alarm to wake up early because this tour begins at 7:30 am. On your way to the Museum, head to the nearby Starbucks drive through for a cup of jo. Your tour guide will meet you in the Museum lobby.
Shop our sizzling summer clearance sale in store and online! Select items are 30%-75% off! In addition, receive FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more!
Start saving your cereal boxes, pizza boxes, and twist ties! These are just some of the household items kids will use to make art with Kentucky Derby Museum’s first ever virtual summer art camp. Young artists will learn how to draw a horse, create their own fancy fascinator and silly Derby hat, sculpt and paint a horse head and much more!
Enjoy lunch on our covered outdoor terrace next to historic Churchill Downs. We offer sandwiches, soups, salads, fresh fruit, and Kentucky favorites like burgoo and our own version of the Hot Brown. Finish your lunch with the one and only Derby Pie and an ice cold Mint Julep from our bar, an official stop on the Urban Bourbon Trail!
We are excited to announce the opening date for Right to Ride, a new exhibit highlighting the careers of the female pioneers in the horseracing industry.
Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen stated, "Our team is united in holding the best Kentucky Derby ever and certainly the most unique in any of our lifetimes. While we are always respectful of the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby, our company's true legacy is one of resilience and embracing of change and unshakable resolve.”
Learn more about all of our events in the week leading up to the Kentucky Derby. From a bourbon brunch to dining and dancing, these events will be sure to get you ready to celebrate Derby on September 5.
We recognize the deep anguish felt in our city and across the nation. We commit to continue sharing the stories of African Americans who have impacted the racing industry. Kentucky Derby Museum stands together with our community against racism. May we all seek to be a positive light for Louisville and the world.
This tour was excellent. Lily was our guide. She was very entertaining and very knowledgeable. She even sang for us. The Museum was fabulous. The 360 movie was great. Walking around the Museum was very informative. We will be much more attentive to the next Kentucky Derby.
— Kathi M.
