United States
Kentucky (KY)
Louisville
Things to Do in Louisville
Kentucky Derby Museum
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Kentucky Derby Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Kentucky Derby Museum
4.5
3,474
#9 of 184 things to do in Louisville
Speciality Museums
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The Kentucky Derby Museum, where every day is Derby day, is the official tour provider of historic Churchill Downs. When you visit the Museum, you will find yourself immersed in the next best thing to actually being at the Derby! As the exclusive tour provider for the track, various tours are offered throughout the year even when the track isn’t in session with live racing. General admission includes two levels of family-friendly interactive permanent & temporary exhibits, "The Greatest Race," a 360-degree immersive sound and visual experience that'll get your heart racing and emotions soaring, Historic Walking Tour of Churchill Downs Racetrack, access to the Gift Shop, Kentucky fare in the Derby Cafe Express and much more!
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Admission tickets
from $18.50
All you need to step foot in the door.
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See what other travelers are saying
  • D W
    Central Florida, Florida64 contributions
    Facinating even if you do not follow horse racing
    Visited the museum early in what was a long day of exploring Louisville and even though we do not follow horse racing we found the museum fascinating. Starts with an in the round theatre show which was both informative and easy to view. (Did not make you dizzy!) Our ticket included a short walking tour inside the paddocks and out to the edge of the track during the time horses were being exercised. The museum exhibits are on EVERY aspect of racing (from the horses to the jockeys, owners, trainers and everything in between. All were very interesting and many were interactive. Well worth a visit. But, important to give yourself time. Is not something you an walk through in a few minutes. There is a lot to see, view, and hear. Also recommend going to races if in progress on the day you are there. The seating areas (many out of the sun) were fairly empty on the Friday afternoon we were there. We were able to pick up a very detailed publication (free) on the races that day and it was fun to see and hear all that happened. And the mint juleps we purchased were true mint juleps and came in a very nice souvenir glass.
    Written September 23, 2021
  • rod48533
    Holland, Michigan143 contributions
    Amazing
    We visited the museum in a Saturday afternoon. Did not need to but tickets ahead of time. We chose the general admission ticket which includes a 30-min, narrated visit throughout the front end of the facility and ends at the general stands, overlooking the track. The museum does a great job at being both a story teller as well as source of information. Visitors learn about Secretariat as well as what it takes to be in a working thoroughbred farm. There’s a 20+ minute movie shown right before the actual tour. It is exciting, and the red rose petals at the end of it almost caused me to propose to my girlfriend!
    Rachel Collier
    Glad you had a good experience! We do help with proposals too if you ever decide to come back. Thanks for the review!
    Written September 21, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 13, 2020
  • Julie F
    Canton, Ohio5 contributions
    Interesting Museum with Interactive stops
    The teens in our group were not excited to go to the Kentucky Derby Museum. However, the tour was short and the museum had some hands-on experiences ( simulated race and simulated betting ) which they really enjoyed. After the trip when I asked what everyone's favorite part was - one of the teens said the Derby Museum!
    Kentucky Derby Museum
    If the teens approve, then you know it's good! :) Thanks for sharing your review with us! And we're so glad that your group had a great experience at the Museum with all the interactive exhibits.
    Written August 3, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Written August 2, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,474 reviews
Excellent
2,508
Very good
782
Average
144
Poor
27
Terrible
13
Travel4Fun
Norfolk, NE86 contributions
Fun Look at the History of the Derby
Sep 2021
We had a good time at the museum and it gave us some fun things to see - costumes, trophies and awards, photographs and a good history of the tradition of the Kentucky Derby. The tour of the grounds that was included in the price of admission was the highlight of the day. We got to walk on the paddock - see the track itself and the stands. Our guide was knowledgeable. We ate at the Cafe there and the food was OK and we had fun drinking a mint julep on site.
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachel S
United States8 contributions
Iconic American Spot!
Aug 2020
My husband and I enjoyed this spot very much! We did the general tour included in the museum ticket, which was perfect for us-the guide gave a nice overview of Churchill Downs and the Derby. We also enjoyed the film very much, it's very well-done. The museum itself is extensive, provides a lot of information, and is very clean and pleasant.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachel Collier
Thank you for the lovely review! We're thrilled you enjoyed your time with us.
Written September 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tumbleweedchris
Richland, WA840 contributions
Polished Museum
Aug 2020
As a casual viewer of horse racing, I visited the Derby Museum early on a Thursday. Crowds were pretty low. On the website, it mentioned reduced capacity for track tours, but we had no problem getting into a tour and it seems they conduct them on a pretty frequent basis. The tour gives you a little history and lets you see the track, grandstands, and staging area. If you go in the early AM, you'll probably see horses practicing. This tour was probably the highlight of the museum. After that, we watched the 360 video. This was a pretty neat video, but I would've liked to see more race footage than what was given. Still something you shouldn't miss upon a visit. Lastly, we walked through the museum. The stylus that you receive is a nice touch so that you can use the interactive displays without using your fingers. There are many displays and it is hit or miss in terms of what is engaging and what is not. You're bound to find a handful of things that interest you here no matter what your reason for visiting. The employees were pretty knowledgeable as well. I had a longer discussion with the security rep about how money and odds move for the race. Overall, this is a pretty solid museum. I'd recommend it for most people, even if you don't know much about horse racing.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachel Collier
Thank you for the feedback! We're glad you enjoyed your time with us and we hope you learned a lot!
Written September 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NC_Mcycle
Concord71 contributions
Ultimate tour well worth it
Sep 2021
We did the ultimate tour, which was very worthwhile. Sean did an amazing job as tour guide. He is a veritable encyclopedia of information regarding horse racing. He gave an insider’s perspective on horse racing and really made the tour worthwhile. It was really eye opening to see behind the scenes. Seeing the differing levels of accommodations and getting a little bit of the feel for the derby and other horse races was cool as well. The tour was definitely worthwhile and this is coming from someone who is decidedly not a sports fan.
Review of: Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cassie427
Roanoke, VA137 contributions
A Great American Tradition
Jul 2020 • Friends
We visited the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs. First, we took the tour, lasting about 30 minutes. The tour guide was very informative and entertaining, with stories and little known facts about the Kentucky Derby. After the tour, we visited the museum and watched the 18-minute movie about the derby's history. The movie, The Great American Race, was shown in the 360-degree round theater and was fantastic.The museum had excellent displays although the interactive displays are not accessible due to the pandemic. It was a great morning out and I highly recommend it!
Written July 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KentuckyDerbyMuseum
Thank you so much for visiting Kentucky Derby Museum and for leaving a review. We do offer sanitized stylus pens for our interactive exhibits so they guests can safely touch interactive exhibit screens. We are so glad you had a wonderful time!
Written July 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom F
Sylvania, OH338 contributions
Must see when in town
Apr 2022
Took some friends for the first time. Always book the tour ahead of time. The tour is very informative and full of history on Churchill Downs. The Derby museum is worth the price of admission. And the movie is a must see.
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kentucky Derby Museum
We are so glad you enjoyed your time at the museum! The Greatest Race movie is definitely a must. Thank you for the great review!
Written April 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon M
Fort Myers, FL8 contributions
Fantastic tour with Kayla.
Oct 2020
We had a private tour with Kayla. She was a great storyteller and attached those stories to the facts of the facility, personalities and amenities. We learned a lot about the history and enjoyed seeing the early morning workout with the horses.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KentuckyDerbyMuseum
We are so glad you enjoyed our NEW private tour! Thank you so much for visiting Kentucky Derby Museum and for leaving a review.
Written October 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jill B
3 contributions
Behind the Scenes Tour by Alex - Fun Sunday
Feb 2020
We explored the Kentucky Derby Museum, watched "The Greatest Race" and had Alex give us a very informative tour in and around the Derby.

This was our first visit and we very much enjoyed all the interactive displays, historic memorabilia and all the historical facts given during this tour.

A fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachel Collier
We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and that Alex did such a great job! Thank you for leaving a review!
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard Wise
Fairfax Station, VA28 contributions
Combine a Museum Tour with a Viewing of a Race!
Jun 2021
The tour is quick-paced, but still allows time for questions. The buildings and the grounds are truly expansive. For $5 extra/person you can enter the grounds through a separate entrance so as to view a race, if they are then having them, and to bet on a horse in the next race, if you have the time and inclination.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kentucky Derby Museum
We're so glad you had a wonderful visit with Kentucky Derby Museum. Thank you for leaving a review and for visiting us!
Written June 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bennie G
Belton, TX19 contributions
Lot's of history here
Oct 2021
The museum is on the Churchill Downs property right at the racing venue. There are a number of really nice exhibits to learn about horse racing in Kentucky. The short movie is very well done in 360 degree viewing and provides you a sense of being at the Kentucky Derby. . There are a number of informative tours you can take to get a first hand look of the racing venue. We took the historic walking tour and it was very informative.
Review of: Kentucky Derby Museum General Admission Ticket
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Kentucky Derby Museum (Louisville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Kentucky Derby Museum
Kentucky Derby Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Kentucky Derby Museum can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 2 Kentucky Derby Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor