Get ready race fans! The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is revving its engine to re-vamp and show off a brand-new way to experience the history and future of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The restructure will be fully immersive and give guests more opportunities to view special racing exhibits and showcased cars. To celebrate and prepare for the change, the museum walks guests through racing history with two new exhibits that are now open through November 2023.
When completed, the re-imagined IMS Museum will thrill visitors of all ages with new immersive and dynamic experiences, including seven permanent and three rotating galleries. Guests will have the opportunity to get up close to some of the world’s most unique and valuable racing artifacts on a behind-the-scenes tour.
Guests will begin their visit with a tour through racing history and take off with a digitized projection mapping experience before they move through the reimagined galleries. What is now sold a separate ticket, the basement will be included in the price of admission and will have more possibilities to showcase cars and special racing exhibits.
"The IMS Museum will create an immersive and awe-inspiring environment for visitors to experience the thrill of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ in new and unique ways while at the same time celebrating the history and traditions that make this place and, in particular, the Indianapolis 500 unlike anything else on earth."
- J. Douglas Boles, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The museum’s current exhibits pay homage to its origin year and aptly named “1956.” Collection items, like the Wheeler-Schebler trophy that was displayed in the beginning, has returned to the cases for today’s visitors. The first 13 vehicles are featured, including the Marmon Wasp and Indian Motorcycle. Narratives take guests step-by-step through the growth of what is now the largest collection of winning Indy 500 cars. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about Karl Kizer, the first curator of the museum, and discover how it has transformed into the independent, non-profit it has become. One of the highlights of the exhibition is the famed guest book. By signing this book before leaving, visitors can connect with the history and tradition of the museum. This practice mirrors the original museum experience.
The exhibition “Our Collection, Your Favorites,” presented by Shell, provides guests with a unique opportunity to step into the role of the curator. After an engaging online voting process, the top 15 vehicles were chosen by guests, members, and fans and are displayed. In addition, over 30 diecast cars, vintage games, and racing suits are showcased. During the voting process, guests were invited to share why they selected certain cars as their favorites. Some visitors may discover their own words incorporated through these notes, further enhancing connection between the guests and the displayed items.
Beginning November 7, 2023, the museum will close and undergo a massive structural update to exhibits and flow of the building. Gear up for the opening date of the state-of-the-art renovation to learn about the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in a captivating way.Reopening is planned for April 2025. During the Museum’s closure, visitors can still enjoy track tours, including the favorite ”Kiss the Bricks” tour. Details will be available on the IMS Museum website later this year.