The National Racing Hall of Fame and Museum announced a $20 million project that will create a multi-screen theater in the round inside the facility at 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs.
The project was announced Aug. 3 by John Hendrickson, museum president, at the ceremony where new members of the Hall of Fame were inducted.
The theater is expected to be completed by 2020.
The Whitney family, long a friend and benefactor of the thoroughbred racing industry, donated $1 million toward the project.
Donna Lawrence Productions, based in Louisville, Ky., will do the work. The company specializes in multi-screen, 4D and 360 degree installations, documentary films, sound and light shows, theatrical experiences and other uniquely designed media attractions. The company has won numerous awards for its work. The interactive shows can be found at the National Constitution Center, Kentucky Derby Museum, National Infantry Museum,White House Visitor Center, Muhammad Ali Center, American Jazz Museum, College Football Hall of Fame, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, NCAA Hall of Champions and many more.
Hendrickson said part of the project will have interactive plaques of the Hall of Fame members that link visitors to videos, images and other racing history content He stressed that in modern times, museums need to be more interactive and get information to people n fun, high-tech ways.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was founded in 1950 to honor the achievements of American Thoroughbred race horses, jockeys, and trainers. In 1955, it moved to its current location on Union Avenue near Saratoga Race Course.
The museum houses a large collection of art, artifacts, and memorabilia that document the history of horse racing from the 18th century to the present.