Forty years ago today, the Kentucky Derby Museum opened its doors to the public and dedicated itself to preserving and celebrating the history of the Kentucky Derby. Since April 28, 1985, more than 7.2 million guests have passed through the museum’s doors to experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the Run for the Roses.

The museum was established thanks in part to a generous endowment from the James Graham Brown Foundation and the support of private donors who believed in preserving the Derby’s enduring legacy.

The Derby Museum owes its beginnings and continued success to a deep and lasting partnership with Churchill Downs Racetrack. Churchill’s early donation of artifacts helped shape the core of the museum’s collection, and the racetrack’s ongoing support has allowed the museum to share the spirit of Derby with the world every single day.

“This anniversary is deeply personal to so many of us,” Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO, said in a news release. “For 40 years, this museum has served as the heartbeat of Derby history. We’ve faced challenges, celebrated incredible milestones, and evolved with our city, state, and the sport of horseracing. Through it all, our team has remained passionately committed to making every guest’s experience unforgettable. I could not be more proud of what we’ve built together.”

On this milestone Founder’s Day, the museum is proud to look back at four decades of curating one of America’s most iconic sporting traditions and look ahead to even more immersive and inclusive storytelling in the years to come.

“Over the past 40 years, the Kentucky Derby Museum has become an integral part of Louisville’s cultural fabric, enriching our city’s heritage and tourism economy,” Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President and CEO, said. “The museum’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the history of the Kentucky Derby has not only attracted millions of visitors but also contributed significantly to our year-round Derby celebration. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to continuing to share Kentucky’s storied history with future generations.”

The Derby Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, now welcomes nearly 38,000 students annually through its outreach and in-house education programs. In the past 10 years alone, it has invested $10 million in exhibit upgrades and facility improvements, ensuring that future generations can explore Derby history in new and engaging ways.

The museum’s story is filled with landmark moments that reflect the evolution of both the institution and Derby itself:

1985 – Kentucky Derby Museum opens, anchored by Churchill Downs’ donation of artifacts that now form a 20,000+ item collection.

1992 – The debut of the permanent African Americans in Thoroughbred Racing exhibit, relaunched in 2021 as the much-expanded Black Heritage in Racing exhibit.

1999 – Launch of Riders Up!, an interactive jockey simulator that was upgraded in 2024 with a $1.2 million investment.

2009–2010 – After devastating flooding caused the museum to close, the museum restores its collection and reopens stronger than ever.

2018 – A 16,000-square-foot expansion adds new exhibits, rental spaces, and upgrades to the stable, gift shop, and café.

2020–2021 – The museum opens new exhibits like Right to Ride and A Las Carreras!, celebrating the contributions of women and Latino jockeys in racing.

2024 – Amid record-breaking attendance of over 258,000 visitors, the museum awards its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to trainer D. Wayne Lukas.

2025 – To mark the 40th anniversary, the museum unveils a $2 million upgrade to its signature 360° movie, The Greatest Race.

Looking to the future, the Derby Museum will begin a new strategic planning process following Derby 151 to chart its next chapter with a vision focused on expanded impact, new audiences, and even deeper community engagement.

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