TWIN SPIRES

DERBY TRADITION

Constructed in 1895, the Twin Spires were the creation of a 24-year-old draftsman, Joseph Dominic Baldez, who was asked to draw the blueprints for Churchill Downs' new grandstand.
Originally the plans did not include the Twin Spires atop Churchill Downs’ roofline, but as the young Baldez continued work on his design, he felt the structure needed something to give it a striking appearance.Described as towers in the original drawing, the hexagonal spires exemplify late 19th century architecture, in which symmetry and balance took precedence over function.
Although Baldez designed many other structures in Louisville, the Twin Spires remain as an everlasting monument to his memory. Former Churchill Downs President Matt J. Winn is reported to have told Baldez, 'Joe when you die there's one monument that will never be taken down, the Twin Spires.'

Twin Spires
2024
horse and rider on track
1972
blimp in front of twin spires
1968
twin spires artwork
2024
closeup of twin spires
2024
black and white photo of twin spires
1934

THE ICONIC TWIN SPIRES

DID YOU KNOW?

Each spire has eight rounded, closed windows that were originally left open in their early days.

Twin Spires at sunset

WHICH DERBY TRADITION ARE YOU?

QUIZ

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