The Woodlawn Vase, presented annually to the winner of the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), middle jewel of the Visa Triple Crown, will be on permanent display at the Baltimore Museum of Art, beginning later this month. The BMA's horse racing exhibit, located in the Woodward gallery, also includes replicas of all three Triple Crown trophies of Gallant Fox and Omaha. "We are proud to have the Woodlawn Vase on display in the prestigious Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland's largest art museum," said Karin De Francis, executive vice president of the Maryland Jockey Club. "The BMA has an extensive collection of famed horse racing trophies and it is only fitting that the Woodlawn Vase, with its rich history, joins this celebrated exhibit."
Assessed in 1983 for $1 million, the silver design, created by Tiffany's in 1860, is the most valuable trophy in American sports. Standing 34 inches tall and weighing 29 pounds, 12 ounces, the Vase is brought to Pimlico Race Course under armed guard for Preakness week festivities. The Woodlawn Vase's previous home was at the Maryland Historical Society.