The Kentucky Derby Museum shared plans for a massive renovation project today which is set to begin immediately. Construction crews began dismantling flood-damaged exhibits first thing Monday morning. The renovation will take place over the next six months and cover the two floors of exhibit space. Nearly every exhibit in the museum will be affected by the re-design project. The new mission of the Derby Museum is to “Share the FUN of the Kentucky Derby Experience” and each of the exhibits will be re-created to reflect that mission. Some of the content within the exhibits will remain the same but will be presented in an updated and more interactive experience.
The overall footprint of the museum will not be expanded but several walls inside will be altered, opening the facility and creating more square footage for exhibit space. Several new themes will be explored in the exhibits including celebrity attendance, the infield experience, fashion and a deeper look into the life of the horse from foal to Derby contender.
Sunday, April 18th, 2010 the museum will re-open to the public.
The Kentucky Derby Museum was devastated by flash flooding on August 4th of this year and has remained closed during the recovery and cleanup. Every exhibit on the main floor of the museum was affected in some way by water damage. Since the exhibits needed to be dismantled and many were destroyed, the museum’s Board of Directors decided to embrace the opportunity for a renovation.
Insurance will cover approximately 1 million dollars of the renovation in replacement costs of like-kind exhibits. Several grants will be sought in addition to other fundraising efforts.
It’s My Derby! New community collaborative announced.
The Kentucky Derby Museum holds the history of the greatest event in the city of Louisville. As the longest, continuous sporting event in American history, the traditions are rich and memories extensive.
It is our belief that the Kentucky Derby belongs to every individual who lives here, every person who has been to Derby or even watched from their living room couch. All of the memories and history the museum holds… belongs to those Derby fans as well. It’s not our Derby, it’s your Derby.
In an unprecedented effort, the Derby Museum announces a community partnership with four local television stations: WDRB, WLKY, WHAS and WAVE to collect great Derby memories. These media outlets will host events to archive the Derby stories which will be displayed in the new museum.
Please check back often for updates.
