A display of fashion at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, Ky., Monday, April 19, 2010, features the pink hat and dress worn by Anna Nicole Smith to the 2004 race. The Kentucky Derby Museum, situated just off Gate 1 at Churchill, offers a treasure trove of Derby memories for horse racing aficionados and people making their maiden trip to a track. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
Kentucky Derby Museum reopens with Anna Nicole Smith exhibit (PHOTOS) - The Kentucky Derby Museum, just off Gate 1 at Churchill Downs, enjoys the hustle and bustle of more visitors this week, the week of the Kentucky Derby, but it may not have had any visitors at all this year had it not been for a multi-million dollar renovation following damage suffered during a flood last summer. One of the new exhibits features the dress, hat, and shoes worn by actor and model Anna Nicole Smith to the race in 2004.
PHOTOS: See some of the exhibits available in the slideshow below.
The admission fee takes visitors on a historic walking tour of Churchill Downs; a 360-degree HD film called The Greatest Race; and provides access to two floors of both permanent and special exhibits.
The museum is also interactive. Visitors can ride a simulated "Thoroughbred" and take part in a mock race. They can call a race as an announcer; and they can enter a time machine where they may choose videos of races in years past.
According to Bruce Lightbody, Director and Senior Associate of Gallagher & Associates of San Francisco, which designed the new museum, "The museum offers visitors an in-depth and behind the scenes view of the Kentucky Derby and what goes into creating a successful racehorse. First person accounts and interactive experiences bring the fun and excitement to life."
Mr. Lightbody explains that the tour of the backside of Churchill Downs included as part of the museum fee is a unique experience. One could see Thoroughbred horses, perhaps as many as 200 of them, out and about or even on the track training. When a Thoroughbred racehorse runs by you at full speed, it may be running around 40 mph. Seeing this sight, from behind-the-scenes of the track as it were, provides a memorable experience for even the casual observer of the sport.
Do you love horses, horse books, and/or the Kentucky Derby? If so, consider a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum, not just during its hectic Derby week this week but also at other times of the year.
According to the museum's website, it is open almost every day with both winter and summer hours. Young adults ages 13 -18 receive a discount on admission.
SEE ALSO:
Boston Marathon 2010 winners - complete list
ACM Awards 2010 winners, Academy of Country Music Awards 2010 winners - complete list
Connie Ann Kirk is a published author of 10 books. She is currently working on a novel and a screenplay. See all of Connie's Arts & Entertainment columns at these pages: National Books on Film Examiner , National Literature Examiner, and National Young Adult Pop Culture Examiner . Feel free any time to also check out her website.
Email Connie at ConnieAnnKirkOnExaminer@gmail.com.
Comments
Anna Nicole was a trashy,talentless gold-digger who married a man aged 90 for his billions. She was an alcoholic, drug addict, vile person who abused and humiliated her friends and bad mother who gave drugs to her son Daniel. According to Larry Birkhead's testimony at the Bahamian Inquest, Anna gave ecstasy and methadone to her son who overdosed on methadone and died. Birkhead said: "Anna would prefer that Daniel do drugs in her presence instead of running around with his friends."People shouldn't glorify mother who gave drugs to her child. She was the most hideous person in Hollywood's recent history. People who defend democracy and human rights are heros not drug addicted floozy.
Hi, Dibbs - Thanks for your comment. It is curious, isn't it, why the museum chose to display Ms. Smith's outfit from the Derby, since one would think that many "known" personalities attend the race every year. Maybe they just liked the clothes! ;)
Thanks again for your comment!
re:
People who organized the exhibition have very poor taste and low criterion.
Anna Nicole may not have been the best choice of display, but cool article regardless. There must have been some serious style mavens to choose from, why on earth did they choose her?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!