Reimagined Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Unveiled for Indy 500

The iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum just reopened after a massive $60.5 million renovation. Tucked inside the legendary 2.5-mile oval, the museum now mixes deep racing history with some seriously cool tech. It’s a treat for die-hard fans and anyone just curious about the sport. The timing couldn’t be better, either—the doors opened right before the Indianapolis 500, so Memorial Day weekend’s looking even more exciting for thousands of visitors.

Revitalizing a Historic Landmark

The museum has held onto motorsport treasures for more than a century. Now, with these renovations, it feels like the place has finally caught up with the times. It took nearly 18 months to pull off, and honestly, it was overdue—this is the first major upgrade in forty years.

When you walk in, you’ll find seven permanent galleries and three rotating ones, all spread out over about 40,000 square feet. Joe Hale, the museum’s president, wants this to be a place people come back to again and again. There’s always something new to see, and that’s the whole point.

A Tribute to Racing Legends

The renovated museum now features a special wing just for the elite four-time Indy 500 winners: Rick Mears, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Helio Castroneves. Mears, for one, said he feels honored and a bit nostalgic seeing his story woven into the museum’s narrative.

They’ve transformed the museum’s lower level—once just storage—into this tribute space. Visitors can watch footage from those legendary races and check out artifacts that bring the drivers’ achievements to life.

Interactive and Educational Experiences

This isn’t just a bunch of cars behind ropes anymore. The redesign added interactive tech and learning spaces that actually pull you in. You’ll start by walking through a recreation of Gasoline Alley, the garage where teams get their cars ready. It’s wild to see how things have changed—from rickety wooden stalls in the early 1900s to the high-tech garages of today.

The Starting Line Experience

Don’t miss the Starting Line Experience. They’ve lined up replicas of the Indy 500’s front row right on the grid, and video boards overhead make it feel like race day. It’s loud, bright, and honestly, kind of thrilling—definitely not your average museum moment.

Expansive Gallery Spaces

Across three levels, the museum covers motorsport history from every angle. The new mezzanine is packed with non-vehicle artifacts, like the fire suit of current IndyCar champ Alex Palou. Downstairs, the main level shows off a bunch of cars and has a whole wing dedicated to Roger Penske’s racing legacy.

Lower Level Highlights

On the lower level, you’ll find the four-time winners’ tribute and a rotating gallery with cars from Chip Ganassi Racing. The museum picked up 14 Ganassi cars—including five Indy 500 winners—by selling off 11 unrelated vehicles. Now, these historic machines are out where everyone can see them.

Future Plans and Community Impact

All these changes don’t just look good—they’ve set the museum up for the long haul. Selling some of the old cars boosted the endowment, and there are plans for a new preservation shop near the track. That’ll help keep over 200 cars and 55,000 other items in shape for years to come.

Chip Ganassi says the museum’s transformation means a lot for the Speedway and the city itself. With the new look, more people will probably wander in, learn a little, and maybe even leave as fans. That’s good for everyone who loves racing—or just loves a good story.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re thinking about heading to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the place has a fresh look and a vibe that’s hard to beat. Racing fan for decades or just curious? There’s honestly a little something for everyone here.

You’ll find interactive exhibits and some pretty cool historic artifacts. The way they’ve mixed old and new makes the whole space feel alive—like it’s honoring the past but not stuck in it.

Want the nitty-gritty on the renovations or tips for your trip? Take a look at the deep dive over at Mirror Indy. It’s got plenty of details on what changed and what you can expect when you walk in.