Welcome to Derbyville

Matt Winn Theatre, Second Floor

Explore the wild stories and unique culture of the Kentucky Derby at a new exhibit, Welcome to Derbyville, now open at Kentucky Derby Museum.

Each Derby Day, Churchill Downs transforms into a city within a city, drawing its temporary residents into a remarkable cultural experience that is unique to other sporting events. Quite simply, there is nothing else like it. Spectators climbing the Infield’s flagpole. A skydiver surprising 100,000 fans with a parachute landing into the Infield crowd. The celebrities, fans, handicappers, fashion plates and friends from near and far all come together in this 147 acre city—Derbyville!

The exhibit takes a deep dive into journalist Hunter S. Thompson and artist Ralph Steadman's raucous commentary, "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved," featuring some familiar (and NEW) artifacts from their trip to the 1970 Kentucky Derby. With one of Jeff Ruby's bedazzled Derby Day ensembles, the Museum is bringing to its guests a number of objects from the vault that have never been displayed.