LOUISVILLE, Ky. — An iconic exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum is getting a $1 million upgrade that is expected to be ready for visitors just in time for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.
The Riders Up! exhibit was first debuted in 2000 as a way to immerse museum-goers in the Derby and race day experience from the viewpoint of a jockey and Thoroughbred race horse.
Construction on the exhibit began in February. Officials believe the upgraded Riders Up! exhibit will be ready for visitors on April 12, 2024, just a few weeks ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
The 24-year-old exhibit was last updated in 2010 during a previous museum expansion project. With significant changes in virtual and augmented reality since then, the upgraded exhibit is expected to use state-of-the-art technology to bring the thrill of horse racing to the 21st century.
"This exhibit has been a fan favorite for guests of all ages ever since the original debuted in 2000," Chris Goodlett, Kentucky Derby Museum senior director of curatorial and educational affairs, said. "With Riders Up!, we're not just entertaining; we're bringing the Derby's rich history to life. This exhibit drives home our mission of engaging everyone with the excitement of Derby every single day."
With the new upgrade, players will be able to experience the Derby race in virtual reality. They will also be able to choose their horse and jockey avatar for the first time ever.
Previously, Riders Up! had three horses. Now, the interactive game will be expanded to five horses, one of which will be wheelchair accessible. Visitors can also race in different decades while navigating unpredictable weather conditions.
Catalyst, an Australian-based production studio dedicated to virtual and augmented reality, is creating the game, and The Laboratory Creative, a design company based in Southern Indiana, is building the immersive exhibit.
"We're not just upgrading a game; we're revolutionizing the way you experience the magic of the Derby," Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum president and CEO, said. "Every day, we're committed to sharing the exhilaration and history of Derby with all our guests. Bigger and bolder with cutting-edge technology, the new Riders Up! is the epitome of that commitment."
The exhibit, located on the first floor of the Museum, will reopen to the public this spring. Though the exhibit is currently under construction, Riders Up! will continue to be included in the price of general admission, museum officials said.
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