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Kentucky Derby Museum announces project to expand, renovate

Associated Press

The Winners Circle at the Kentucky Derby Museum allows visitors to take their picture with a replica of the most recent Derby winner. The horse statue is painted to look like the winner and the jockey is dressed in replica silks. This room was flooded with over 2 inches of water in 2009. This 2010 file photo was taken after the museum had been renovated and the museum reopened.
The Winners Circle at the Kentucky Derby Museum allows visitors to take their picture with a replica of the most recent Derby winner. The horse statue is painted to look like the winner and the jockey is dressed in replica silks. This room was flooded with over 2 inches of water in 2009. This 2010 file photo was taken after the museum had been renovated and the museum reopened. Photo by Angela Shoemaker
Louisville

The Kentucky Derby Museum announced a $6.5 million project to renovate and expand.

A statement from the nonprofit museum said plans call for adding more than 11,000 square feet (1,022 sq. meters) to the facility in Louisville and renovating about 5,000 square feet (465 sq. meters). It will be the largest addition since the museum was built in 1985.

Officials said the additional space will be used mainly for exhibits, including a new collection from Thoroughbred trainer D. Wayne Lukas and key pieces from the collection of jockey Bill Shoemaker, which has been housed in archives. There will also be more room for meetings and rental space.

The statement said museum directors decided to pursue the expansion after record-setting attendance in 2017, with more than 230,000 visitors.

This story was originally published November 13, 2017 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Kentucky Derby Museum announces project to expand, renovate."

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