The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has been completely renovated and is opening to the public on Wednesday, April 2.
IMS Museum president Joe Hale said that there was not a square inch that went untouched in the renovation.
It took 17 months and $60 million (which Hale was happy to mention was under budget), and Hale is excited for everyone to be able to see it.
“I just cannot wait for people to come in here and I just can’t wait to see their faces when they see this massive transformation that’s taken place here at the Museum,” Hale said.
The renovation includes 40,000 additional square feet of space and seven permanent and three rotating galleries.
It has interactive games and simulations as well. Guests can try to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 on racing simulators, try out a “pit stop challenge,” and experience other interactive games and challenges.
The galleries, like the Gasoline Alley Gallery and the Penske Gallery, tell a story of the Indianapolis 500 through history by showcasing the winners, the evolution of the cars and engines, and more.
“I really think that the storytelling is something that people will come away with… really learning the history of the Speedway in an engaging way,” IMS Museum vice president of curation and education Jason Vansickle said.
One of the most immersive elements of the renovated museum is the “Starting Line Experience,” which features the front row of the grid for the 2024 Indianapolis 500 and a wall to ceiling video board. It shows an over six minute video showcasing the pageantry of all the events leading up to the start of the race.
“What we’re doing is creating a museum that’s going to be around for generations to come,” Hale said.
See photos of the new-look IMS museum.
This story was produced by WISH-TV’s Josh Bode.
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