The New IMS Museum: Modernizing Indy's Racing Legacy for the Next Generation

The New IMS Museum: Modernizing Indy's Racing Legacy for the Next Generation

By Michael Anderson

February 15, 2025 at 01:44 AM

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is undergoing a major transformation, set to reopen on April 2 with expanded spaces and modern interactive experiences that honor racing history while engaging new generations.

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The revamped museum features three accessible floors, significantly increasing display space without expanding the building's footprint. Key highlights include:

  • A recreated Gasoline Alley entrance featuring seven rotating car displays
  • The Starting Line Experience with an 80-foot LED video board showcasing race day pageantry
  • 33 Indianapolis 500-winning cars spread across multiple floors
  • A 4,800 sq ft gallery celebrating four-time 500 winners
  • A new 6,000 sq ft mezzanine for artifacts and artwork
  • Enhanced lighting and 360-degree vehicle viewing access
  • Interactive displays about the Borg-Warner Trophy and racing history
  • Rotating exhibitions to ensure fresh experiences for repeat visitors

The museum balances traditional displays with modern storytelling techniques, offering both physical information placards and optional QR codes for deeper content exploration. Adult admission is $25, with concessions available for seniors, veterans, and youth.

Jason Vansickle, VP of curation and education, emphasizes that the renovation aims to help visitors "understand why Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the greatest race course in the world and why Indianapolis is the Racing Capital of the World."

With the expanded space and new exhibits, visitors can expect to spend approximately two hours exploring the museum's comprehensive collection, which showcases 116 years of racing history at the legendary Brickyard.

The museum's transformation represents a significant step forward in preserving and presenting racing heritage while ensuring its relevance for future generations of motorsport enthusiasts.

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