Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory has recently completed its renovated Baseball Museum experience – a sure home run.
The museum has been given a makeover for the first time in nearly 15 years.
One of the principal renovations has been the Bat Vault, which now has a 638-sq-ft gallery and is more than double its original size.
More than 3,000 original bat models are on display from some of the game’s most legendary players. Some of the models on display are over 100 years old. The Bat Vault experience is now included with general admission to the museum.
“We call the Bat Vault our Fort Knox of baseball bats, and we are thrilled to now treat all of our guests to the stories, history, and spectacle that comes with the Vault,” said Deana Lockman, Executive Director of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. “The museum is all about creating unforgettable experiences, and these renovations will undoubtedly add to the one-of-a-kind experience we offer.”
Another area of the museum is Hold A Piece of History, the permanent exhibit where guests can hold game-used bats and now take more photo opportunities.
The museum states that throughout the gallery, the museum’s iconic player sculptures are now positioned with a photo op background for guests to capture the memory of standing alongside greats like Henry Aaron, Babe Ruth, Roberto Clemente, Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., Jackie Robinson, and Ted Williams.
Additionally, sculptures will be accompanied by museum artefacts to highlight each player’s connection to the heritage of Hillerich & Bradsby Co. (H&B).
Another highlight is West Main’s Marvel: The Big Bat. In the new exhibit, which is a temporary space to accommodate various items, guests can discover the story of H&B’s move to West Main in 1995, the installation of the iconic Big Bat, and the impact the museum has had on the development of downtown Louisville.
H&B plans to renovate the museum store in the near future, as well as continue to build within the 800 Main campus it has occupied since 1995.
“One of our main goals is to build out the H&B campus to be a premier entertainment center that currently includes Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, our bourbon attraction Barrels & Billets, and event spaces,” said John Hillerich, CEO of Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
“The 800 block of West Main will only become more appealing for people in the city with the excitement in our facility, as well as across the street when The Dream hotel is completed.”
The gallery renovation was designed by JRA – Part of RWS Entertainment Group of Cincinnati with Louisville’s Schaefer Construction serving as the general contractor for the build-out. Exhibit fabrication was performed by 1220 Exhibits of Nashville, Tennessee.
Images: Louisville Slugger Museum
