Kentucky Derby Museum Celebrates 40 Years Of Telling Derby Stories
More than 7.2 million guests have visited KDM since 1985
Louisville, KY (April 28, 2025) – 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 mseum to share the spirit of Derby with the world every single
day.
“This anniversary is deeply personal to so many of us,” said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO. “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," said
Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President and CEO. "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.