LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Kentucky Derby Museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Part of the festivities include museum upgrades, notably, a remastered version of of The Greatest Race, the museum's 360-degree film.
"The Greatest Race is our immersive video experience here at the museum shown everyday in the Great Hall at 10 minutes after every hour and it is what the museum is known for, really internationally," said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum president and CEO.
According to the museum, this $2.3 million project is being led by Donna Lawrence Productions, a Louisville-based company known globally for its storytelling and media experiences.
In early January, crews started installing new lighting in the oval theater. Donna Lawrence Productions is "actively editing the new version of the film to be installed on a new, state-of-the-art playback system," the museum said in a press release.
Armstrong said the film will be updated with footage from the 2024 Kentucky Derby and is scheduled to premier in April 2025, just ahead of the 151st Run for the Roses.
He said 2025 should mark another big year for the museum, coming off the previous two years with the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown and the 150th Derby.
"This is kind of the third leg, the triple crown of that, 2025 will be our 40th anniversary," said Armstrong. "The museum has a lot of new upgrades, over the last several years, but we have some more coming this year."
According to the museum, the new version of The Greatest Race will include "cutting-edge projection, an immersive surround soundtrack, atmospheric lighting, and dynamic effects, creating a show-stopping exhibit that pushes the boundaries of museum experiences."
The museum is planning a VIP premier for April 10. Tickets are expected to be available soon on the museum's website. The exhibit will open to the public the following day and will be included with the price of museum admission.
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