The Kentucky Derby Museum is celebrating 40 years of telling stories Monday as they officially opened their doors to the public Apr. 28, 1985 and have served more than 7.2-million guests since then, the organization announced Monday morning.
Established thanks in part to an endowment from the James Graham Brown Foundation and support of private donors, the museum credits its partnership with Churchill Downs as a key part of its ongoing success. The Derby Museum welcomes nearly 38,000 students annually through its outreach and in-house education efforts, and in the past 10 years, has invested $10-million in exhibit upgrades and facility improvements to ensure future generations may continue to explore Derby history in evolving, engaging ways.
On Founder's Day 2025, to mark the 40th anniversary, the museum will unveil the $2-million upgrade to its signature movie, The Greatest Race.
“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.”
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