The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopened to the public in early April after the completion of its $60.5 million, 17-month renovation, its first significant revamp in 40 years.
The IMS Museum was closed to the public since November 2023 while undergoing a comprehensive transformation of its space and experiences. Now visitors of all ages experience 40,000 square feet of additional space housing new immersive and dynamic experiences, including:
- Seven permanent and three rotating galleries
- The lower level, an area previously restricted to only select tours
- A new mezzanine dedicated to displaying non-vehicle artifacts, including a race suit from four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou, the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 trophy and a piece of the SAFER Barrier to highlight safety innovations at the Speedway
- The “Starting Line Experience,” placing guests in an immersive video space showcasing the pageantry leading up to the start of the "500”
- State-of-the art racing simulators allowing guests to try to qualify for the Indianapolis 500
- A “pit stop challenge” for guests to learn the tools and equipment of the racing trade
The new exhibits and experiences brought to life the Museum’s vision to create a global destination that provides interactive, immersive and diverse Indianapolis Motor Speedway storytelling and educational experiences that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.
One of the cornerstones of the renovation was ensuring accessibility so all guests felt included. New features include a wheelchair-friendly racing simulator controlled fully by the steering wheel instead of the pedals and a wellness room designed for anybody that needs a quiet, private space, from nursing mothers to those with sensory sensitivities.
The Museum is also worked with Kulture City to become Sensory Inclusive™. Sensory bags can be checked out at the Welcome Center and include soundproof headphones, fidget toys and glasses to reduce light. Signage around the building indicates “headphone areas” for those with sensitivities to noise.
