The projected costs of the cleanup and estimated damages are now reaching over $4 million. So far, 100 pieces have been selected for conservation by art specialists (the bulk of which are fine art paintings at this point). These pieces represent only a section of the water-damaged collection.
Katherine Veitschegger, the museum's curator of collections, said she is hopeful that all of these pieces can be successfully repaired. The museum has not identified any item that appears to be a total loss.
A museum blog link has now been posted on the home page — www.derbymuseum.org — for daily updates, questions and comments during the flood cleanup.
Due to the closure of the Kentucky Derby Museum during clean-up of flood damage, the tour operations and gift shop will move to the Churchill Downs Store located through Gate 17 at the track.The new location will open at 8:00 a.m. on Aug. 7. See the Web site for detailed times.
The second day of the clean-up continued Aug. 6 with carpet tiles being removed on the main floor and basement areas, drying and sanitation taking place. On Aug. 7, many of the exhibits will be dismantled and the main floor walls will be drilled for water inspections.
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