Kentucky Derby Museum
The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports
After major portions of the museum were destroyed by a flood in 2009, the design team and museum staff raced to design and build 12,000sf of new exhibits and repair 6,000sf of damaged areas. This work was completed in less than 8 months.
The exhibition design takes cues from both the traditional architecture of Churchill Downs and the contemporary, editorial style of Derby media, fashion, and festivities. Visitors pass through real starting gates to explore experiences and first-hand stories that capture dynamic moments before, during, and after the race.
Location: Louisville, KY
Project Size: 18,000sf
Start Date: 2009, Opening: 2010
Role: Lead Exhibit Designer
Process Highlights:
• Compression of design phases
• Weekly client working sessions and an expedited approval process
The Kentucky Derby Experience captures the joy, anticipation, passion, and pride of Derby fans the world over, and it explores the magnitude of effort it takes to become a competitor in the race.
Iconic objects of the Derby are presented in photo-friendly displays.
A concept elevation reconfiguring existing casework to celebrate Derby fashion.
Throughout the museum, exhibits highlight first-hand accounts from fans and participants.
Interactive experiences like Riders Up put visitors literally in the saddle and challenge them to maintain a jockey's stance during a race.
The Countdown to Victory area encapsulates the last 30 minutes prior to the race from the point of view of those in the inner circle—the owners, trainers, and jockeys who have participated in the Run for the Roses.
Model views of the trophy display.
The second floor features the life of a thoroughbred and the individuals who contribute to the development of a racehorse.
Concept model view depicting materials and structures inspired by horse farms and the Backside at Churchill Downs.
