Starting Gate Visit Guide

Get your horses in a row and check out our visitor information to help your trip to Kentucky Derby Museum run as smoothly as possible.

Build Your Day Contact Us

Hours of Operation:

March 1–November 30
Monday–Saturday: 8 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 11 AM–5 PM
Open Early, Sunday November 29: 8 AM-5 PM
December 1–February 28
Monday–Saturday: 9 AM–4 PM
Sunday: 11 PM–4 PM
Closed:
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Monday-Wednesday, January 4–6
Thursday–Saturday, April 29–May 1

PARKING INFORMATION

We offer free parking for museum visitors in our shared lot with Churchill Downs. Please note the different options for race days vs. non-race days and check the current race schedule.

Parking on race days:

Free museum visitor parking in Black, Green, Orange, Yellow, and Turquoise lots

Parking on non-race days

Free museum visitor parking in Red, White, and Black lots

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Watch our quick Know Before You Go video for helpful tips on parking, entry, what to bring, and what to expect during your visit—so you can arrive prepared and enjoy every moment.

Kentucky Derby Museum is dedicated to providing a quality experience for all of our guests. If you have any questions about specific accommodations please call 502-637-1111 or fill out a form.

Stay Hydrated During Your Visit

In partnership with Louisville Water, we’re proud to offer water bottle filling stations on-site for our guests.

Mobility

Wheelchairs, strollers, and all other Mobility Assistive Devices are welcome inside the Museum and on the Guided Track Visit, which is included as a complimentary addition to general admission. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and elevators are available. The main entrance to our building will accommodate guests with limited mobility. Guests may be dropped off in the loading/unloading zone in front of our main entrance on Central Avenue (in front of the Barbaro statue), where there is an automatic door with push-button entry. Wheelchair rentals are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis upon request at the Front Desk.

Due to historic nature of Churchill Downs, some tours may not be wheelchair accessible. If you have any accessibility concerns, please contact the Kentucky Derby Museum Visitor Services Department by filling out the form or calling (502) 637-1111. Accessibility information is available on specific tour web pages.

Wheelchair users and strollers, please note: During times of inclement weather, we do our best to clear routes of snow and ice, but it’s not always possible.

Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Closed Captioning is available for every showing of The Greatest Race. An induction loop is available for hearing impaired in both The Greatest Race and our Time Machine exhibit.

If requested at least 48 business hours prior to your visit, the Museum can provide an American Sign Language interpreter. Please see and complete the form to make this request, and a Museum Staff member will contact you to confirm.

Blind or Low Vision

Tactile maps with Braille and large print maps and brief exhibit descriptions are available at the Front Desk on a first come first served basis.

Breastfeeding

Nursing mothers can breastfeed in any public area. If a more private space is preferred to breastfeed or pump, a Family Resource Room is available on the second floor of the Museum.

Service Animals

Pets are not allowed inside the Museum. Only service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted at the Kentucky Derby Museum and on the grounds of Churchill Downs. Due to the unique nature of our facility, some areas may have restriction for the safety of guests and horses alike.

Changing Tables

Restrooms with Koala Kare changing tables and Child Protection Seats are located on the 1st floor of the Museum. Changing tables are available in both men’s and women’s restrooms. The Family Resource Room on the 2nd floor is also equipped with a changing table.

Quiet

If you or a member of your party feel overwhelmed at any point during your visit, the Museum offers a quiet space in the Family Resource Center located on the 2nd floor. The room is furnished with a comfortable chair as well as a soothing sound machine and sensory fidgets.

Personal Care Assistants

Visitors who would enjoy their visit more if accompanied by a Personal Care Assistant are welcome to invite them at no charge. If you are a Certified Therapist and wish to bring a client, you will receive free admission with the paid admission of your client. To reserve this complimentary admission, please fill out the form or call (502) 637-1111. Your reservation will be available at the Front Desk when you arrive.

Kentucky Derby Museum strives to provide a safe and non-threatening environment for all of our guests, employees, and others with whom we do business. Therefore, Museum policy prohibits anyone visiting or conducting business from having in his/her/their possession, custody, or control: firearms, knives, or any other deadly weapon on Museum premises. This prohibition applies whether or not an individual is legally entitled to possess a deadly weapon or firearm.

In strict accordance with applicable law, a person on Museum premises in possession of a deadly weapon or firearm will be required to secure the weapon in his/her/their vehicle. If the person refuses to secure their deadly weapon or firearm, they will not be allowed on the premises.

Kentucky Derby Museum also prohibits any use of tobacco/electronic cigarettes, illegal substances, and/or any item that is deemed to be dangerous and/or inappropriate while at the Museum.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Kentucky Derby Museum allows service animals. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. No other pets are allowed on the premises.