Blog / Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Grand Reopening: A New Era of Racing History

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Grand Reopening: A New Era of Racing History

Indianapolis is revving up for an exciting moment as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum officially reopens its doors on April 2, 2025! After an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, the museum is back and better than ever, offering visitors an immersive journey through the heart-pounding history of motorsports.

A Museum Reimagined

The museum’s transformation is nothing short of spectacular. With state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, an expanded collection of legendary race cars, and new behind-the-scenes experiences, fans of all ages can dive deeper into the evolution of the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR, and other iconic motorsport events. The revamped space highlights not just the machines but also the daring drivers, innovative engineers, and passionate fans that have shaped racing history for over a century.

What to Expect

  • New Interactive Exhibits
    Get behind the wheel in cutting-edge racing simulators, test your reflexes in pit crew challenges, and explore archival footage in a cinematic experience that brings historic races to life.
  • Expanded Car Collection
    From classic IndyCars to rare one-of-a-kind vehicles, the museum boasts an extraordinary lineup of automobiles that have left their mark on the speedway.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tours
    Gain exclusive access to areas typically off-limits to the public, including private collections and a closer look at the inner workings of race car mechanics.
  • Special Events & Guest Speakers
    Throughout the year, the museum will host guest lectures, meet-and-greets with racing legends, and special anniversary celebrations.
  • Historic Artifacts on Display
    Discover rare memorabilia, original race suits, and championship trophies that tell the rich story of motorsports.

New Interactive Experiences and Educational Features

  • Starting Line Experience: A 7-minute immersive experience simulating the Indianapolis 500 starting line. It includes a video on an 80-foot LED screen, starting with the cannon firing and ending with the green flag, with show cars roaring to life during the “Drivers, start your engines” command.
  • John H. Holliday Family Indianapolis 500 Winners Gallery: Displays 29 winning Indy 500 cars from 1911 to the present on hydraulic platforms, with improved lighting and signage. The Borg-Warner Trophy is prominently featured, along with interactive displays.
  • Mezzanine: A space above the Winners Gallery, focusing on IMS’s history, traditions, safety innovations, and fan experiences, with interactive kiosks dedicated to the Hall of Fame and track timeline.
  • Qualifying Zone: Hands-on activities like a pit stop challenge and driving simulators, allowing visitors to experience the roles of drivers, strategists, and pit crew members. Features include a soft play area and a dissected IndyCar display.
  • Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Innovation Workshop: Offers STEAM activities for K-12 students, focusing on the innovations in racing and career exploration in the motorsport industry.

Current Exhibits and Galleries

  • Penske Gallery: An interactive space dedicated to Team Penske, showcasing historic race cars, legendary trophies, and key figures like Roger Penske and the team’s iconic drivers.
  • Bobby Rahal Family Gallery (Featured Car Gallery): This rotating gallery will focus on different racing themes every few months, starting with “NASCAR at the Speedway”, highlighting winning Brickyard 400 cars, including those by Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson.
  • Best of the Best: The Four-Time Winners (Chip Ganassi Gallery): This rotating exhibit honors the four drivers who have won the Indianapolis 500 four times: A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and Helio Castroneves, featuring their winning cars and personal artifacts.
  • Track Lounge: A space for booking track tours, featuring an interactive 3-D track map, a photo car for souvenir pictures, and the “In the Race” video experience. A grab-and-go food stand adds convenience.

We’re here at the iconic @IMSMuseum for the grand reopening! Buckle up because this is going to be a wild ride! 🏎️💨

Accessibility Features

The renovation focuses on accessibility, offering a wheelchair-friendly racing simulator and a wellness room for guests needing a quiet, private space.

Official IMS Museum Merchandise Store 🏁

The IMS Museum Merch Store is open during museum hours and features an exciting new collection of apparel, collectibles, and exclusive race-day gear. Don’t miss out on grabbing a piece of history!

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or new to the sport, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars for April 2nd and be among the first to experience the thrilling new exhibits and attractions.


📍 Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4750 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
 🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily
 🎟️ Tickets: Available online and at the museum entrance https://imsmuseum.org/
 🎟️ Memberships: Become a museum member for exclusive perks, early access to events, and special discounts.

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