International Museum of the Horse

The International Museum of the Horse, an Affiliate Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, illuminates the special relationship between human and equine throughout history with its permanent collections and exhibits.

 Visitors trace the evolution of the horse while ascending a 360-foot spiraling ramp through the permanent exhibits of The Legacy of the Horse. Adjoining galleries present important collections such as the history of the ASPCA, The Horse in Sport, Buffalo Soldiers, tributes to outstanding Thoroughbreds and farms, and an outstanding array of carriages. Most recently, the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries opened, housing an 8,000 square foot multimedia interactive experience which showcases the Arabian breed from its desert beginnings through its emergence across Europe and the journey through America.

 On-going philanthropic support for the operations of the International Museum of the Horse is needed to maintain, improve and expand upon the permanent exhibits and collections of the museum while also attracting and creating new temporary and permanent exhibitions. Examples of just a few of the specific projects for which philanthropic support will make a difference include:

 The Legacy of the Horse exhibit: Private support will help update and improve upon this beloved core exhibit in the museum, which explores the history and evolution of the relationship between human and horse throughout time.

 New exhibits: The museum constantly adds new exhibits to highlight issues and topics important to the equestrian world. For example, plans are being formed to include an exhibition centered around the horse in Kentucky, showcasing the horse’s development from the famous sire named Lexington to Kentucky’s current position as the Thoroughbred breeding capital of the world.

 Research Center: The museum houses one of the foremost collections in the world of equine related artifacts, art and historical documentation including rare books and archival material. Private support will help us to improve accessibility to the research center through such projects as upgrading storage facilities and digitizing collections in order to preserve this tremendous equine collection for future generations and more capably share it with the general public.