LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fashion has long been part of the Kentucky Derby experience, which the Kentucky Derby Museum is highlighting in its newest exhibit.
The Kentucky Derby Museum unveiled its “Derby Fashion” exhibit Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring fashion VIPs and themed gifts for 50 museum guests. The museum said the exhibit showcases years of curatorial work and is the most immersive presentation of Derby fashion to date, blending history, culture and iconic style.
“Derby Fashion” features an immersive display of colorful ensembles with sequin-studded jackets, frilly boas, rose-covered dresses and uniquely crafted hats. Guests can find the exhibit outside the iconic Great Hall, which spreads out along a red carpet to capture the feeling of walking through a Derby crowd.
A 1920s-era outfit on display at the Kentucky Derby Museum as part of its “Derby Fashion” exhibit that opened July 31, 2025. (Kentucky Derby Museum)
“We’re thrilled to unveil our newest exhibit featuring both historical pieces and modern-day Derby fashion,” said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum president and CEO. “Especially within the past decade, the museum has been intentional about creating that Derby Day feeling every day. This exhibit helps bring that experience to life, and it deserves a permanent place in the museum.”
The museum said its fashion collection dates back to the beginning days at the track in the 1870s. There are dozens of pieces on display and more than 150 items to explore through interactive touch screens, which allow guests to scroll through the archives and learn about history from a variety of time-period pieces, some of which are too fragile to display.
“Having a permanent exhibit to showcase Derby fashion at the museum was a clear next-step,” said Chris Goodlett, senior director of Curatorial and Educational Affairs. “Fashion is part of the iconic history at the track, going back more than 150 years. This exhibit really walks you through time, and the added digital aspect gives us the ability to showcase a wide span of our collection.”
“Derby Fashion” is designed in a way to easily access each display case and can evolve over time without major exhibit construction, the Derby Museum added. Visitors can expect outfits, hats and other pieces to be swapped out for fresh looks following each Derby.
The Kentucky Derby Museum welcomes more than 258,000 guests annually. Over the past decade, it has invested millions in exhibit upgrades and facility improvements.
