The Kentucky Derby Museum, located on the grounds of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is a fantastic place for the entire family even if you don’t know anything about horse racing. First of all, the place is gorgeous. After parking the car, you get out and immediately see the twin spires. I had an immediate sense of history, tradition, excitement and tranquility hit me. The museum is an American Thoroughbred horse racing museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby. It opened its doors in the spring of 1985.
Like Churchill Downs, the museum is shaped like an oval. The first race took place in 1875. In 2010, the 139th consecutive race will take place. Standing in front of Churchill Downs, before you ever walk through the doors, you feel the pride this establishment represents. There is a reason this place represents the “greatest 2 minutes in sports”.
The Greatest Film plays in the circled theater. Every year it is updated at the end with the current inner’s finish. This race takes you through the day at the derby.
Unfortunately, the displays we visited were destroyed on August 4th, 2009 the Museum received massive damage by flood waters. The flood destroyed many exhibits on the first floor and devastated the lower level offices, artifact storage areas and Museum archives. The Kentucky Derby Museum will re-open on Sunday, April 18, 2010 with new exhibits, more interactive experiences and a fresh mission of sharing the FUN of the Kentucky Derby experience.
In the meantime, you can still enjoy the tours which are available on the grounds. The Museum has a Behind The Scenes Walking Tour. Museum tour guides take up to 15 guests on an hour and a half long behind-the-scenes tour of the Jockeys' Quarters, Millionaires' Row, the Press Box and other areas of Churchill Downs' newly renovated clubhouse. This is an exclusive tour only offered through the Museum.
Another tour that is available is a guided walking tour of historic Churchill Downs. Learn about past Derby winners and the rich history of this location. Guests will first visit our resident Thoroughbred racehorse and his sidekick miniature horse, Winston. Visitors will walk through the property to the paddock and out to the grandstand learning trivia and fun facts along the way. This tour is wheelchair accessible.
Make sure you make reservations for the tours, especially if it is close to derby time. The old museum was fantastic for the entire family even if you aren't familiar with the Kentucky Derby. The new one should be just as educational and fun.
http://www.derbymuseum.org/