Kentucky Derby Museum

704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA

Address:	704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA
Phone:	+1 502-637-1111
Site:	derbymuseum.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 8AM–5PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Michael Mansell

Not worth it for any price. Poor communication and the grounds and facilities are so dirty and "unkept". We did the barn and backside van tour. The van was hot and very dirty and you pretty much cant see anything out of the tiny windows. Not to mention they crammed 15 people into a small van. We paid for admission to the museum which included the 360 movie that everyone supposedly raves about but they failed to tell us that there were no more showings for the day because of some gala when we checked in! So the highlight of the tour did not happen. This left us very disappointed with the whole experience and a complete waste of our time. We only had a few hours in Louiville before our flight and this is what we chose to do. Big mistake. Would not recommend this museum or tours to anyone even if you are horse lovers. Disappointed. I hope this review will help discourage at one person save their money and time to spend it elsewhere.

Katie M

The museum is a very fun place to visit, even if you arent in to horse racing. The tour takes you down into the stands right next to the track. If you come during race season there will most likely be horses training on the track which was fun to see. The tour provides a lot of information, but bring your questions, our guide had gave some info, then answered questions the rest of the time. There a couple of resident horses you get to see at the end of the tour. The museum has a lot of history, fun hats and outfits from the Derby. There is an exhibit simulates the horse racing for up to 3 people, I found quite fun. They have a 360 4K movie that is very cool to watch, sit in the center. It doesnt have a lot to offer young children (7 & under), they may get bored.

Jonathan Brown

OK let me start this review by saying that I have never been to the Derby and have no interest in going to be honest. For a lifelong Ky resident that is heresy I know but I do not see the excitement. That being said I really did like this museum and found it very entertaining. The 360 degree movie, "The Greatest Race", is the high point of the museum for me, if you go be sure to watch it, you wont regret it. Also the museum is a great location for corporate events and gatherings. If you host an event at the facility they can do a day at the races via pre-recorded races instructing your participants on how to wager, how the race works and other pertinent information about racing. A great event that all the participants really enjoyed.

Courtney Denning

I visited the Kentucky Derby Museum in January 2015 with my family. We had a great time! The museum was opened in 1985 to preserve the history of the Kentucky Derby. The museum is located on the grounds of Churchill Downs, which is where the Kentucky Derby is held annually on the first Saturday in May. The museum has two floors of exhibit space, including a 360-degree theater playing The Greatest Race. Many of the exhibits are interactive: we were able to place bets, ride in a simulated race and play with horse inspired games and toys. We also went on a guided tour of Churchill Downs, learning the history of the Kentucky Derby and hearing stories about the talented horses that won the derby and the jockeys who rode them.

Cassandra S.

I enjoyed the tour when I went with my niece and we got to see a horse at the end which was neat for her, I think it was the first horse shed seen. The museum was neat but not something Id revisit after going once. There are a couple interactive things but they were for older kids than my niece so we didnt really do them. Other than that there are some neat displays of silks and hats. Theres a whole wall of derby shot glasses. Its probably just me but I saw enough just going once. I would like to have had a chance to see the movie in the museum but our tour time was starting and after the tour it was time for her nap. I recommend to all horse and race lovers!

Dylan Vish

Louisville is known for its famous horse race - the Kentucky Derby. So naturally if your from out of town, or simply have never been, this is a great place to visit. It is pretty big with a lot of history and some interactive games for the children (or adults, whos judging really?) They also have a nice new area where they have a 360 degree panoramic video that is very dramatic and fun to watch, but also can be a little dizzying with the turning around! However, after going once there isnt much to come back to aside from small and space updates like the recent addition of the American Pharaoh. So if you havent been, check it out! Its pretty neat!

Gregory Padgett

Ive never been a horse racing fan, but I definitely enjoyed what the museum and Churchill Downs offered! Theres plenty of interesting exhibits I never thought Id enjoy seeing at first, the movie in its 360° theater is a must-see, and the tour of Churchill Downs (included in general admission) made my trip here all worthwhile! My tour guide, Bob, was awesome in that he knew a ton about the Churchill Downs complex and its history with horse racing. This place is a wonderful historic landmark for Louisville and all of Kentucky!

Anna Hautzinger

Provides good interactive exhibits about different aspects of the race horse industry. The move is very good, as is the "walk through" tour of the paddock area. There is a nice gift shop, and a cafe on the premises. Admission to Churchill downs is separate, but there may be complimentay tickets available if you get there early enough and ask politely. A good introduction to the world of horse racing, an integral part of the Churchill downs experience.

Michael N

If you happen to be in Louisville during off season for the track, this is a fantastic museum to check out. The museum itself has a plethora of artifacts and historic items from Derbys past. If you want to pay a little more you can get an excellent walking tour of parts of the race track. If you have even more time and money you can get a separate longer tour of the track and the stables. This is definitely worth the trip for any racing fan.

Michael Boyadjian

We saw the 360 degree video, which was breathtaking, and went on the guided tour of Churchill Downs. Both are necessary to get the full appreciation and understanding of horse racing in Kentucky. The museum itself has so many interesting pieces and displays. I highly recommend the racing simulator, where up to three people get to race a virtual horse, and the trivia game. These interactive games were exciting and a great way to learn more.

A Private User

Great museum for kids and adults! Lots of fun exhibits! Plenty of facts combined with hands on stuff, such as trying to announce a race and trying on jockey clothes. They really capture the history and culture of racing, while talking a lot about the horses and what they do. Went with four 15 yr olds, four moms, two 13 yr olds, and a 10 yr old, all of who enjoyed it! Well constructed, entertaining, and informational! A fabulous museum!

Brenda Garcia

Very nice place! Perfect for tourism. I was able to take a lot of neat pictures to add to my photo album (yes, Im old school and like keeping an album). Really only did a quick tour of the area, took some pictures and visited the gift shop! Wide selection of gifts for horse lovers and racetrack lovers! There is a video presentation and a tour for an additional price.