INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy 500 only happens once a year, but the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is ready to give visitors that race day experience every day.
The museum will reopen Wednesday after spending $60 million on a complete renovation. It was closed for a year and a half while it was under reconstruction.
"We've finally created a world-class museum devoted to the Indianapolis 500, and now it's up to the public to validate that," said museum president Joe Hale.
The new museum experience features a recreation of Gasoline Alley through the years, a movie that captures the traditions leading up to race day, and a prominent rotating podium for the Borg-Warner trophy.
Hale said he's most proud of the interactive elements, such as places to practice changing a tire or driving a lap in a race simulator.
"You're not walking into what may appear to be an indoor parking lot anymore," Hale said. "We have a museum that's immersive, participatory, and educational."
The outside of the building is mostly unchanged from its current structure, which opened in 1976. However, the construction within the walls doubled the amount of available exhibit space.
Hale hopes it leaves a lasting impression on both Hoosiers and visitors.
"I don't care where you go in the world. If you mention you're from Indianapolis or from Indiana, typically that person is going to know us because of the Indy 500," Hale said.
Tickets are available at this link.
-
Community revitalization, transforming neighborhoods one block at a time
LISC Indianapolis is poised to reach its 600th improved façade this year, providing up to 50% of the funding costs for these projects.
Sheridan residents push back on proposed trail along Dunbar Road
A planned reconstruction of Dunbar Road in Sheridan is drawing sharp disagreement over whether a walking and biking trail should be part of the project.
Honoring the Pioneer Village coppersmith Ronnie Yurcak
On April 13, 2025, Pioneer Village coppersmith Ronnie Yurcak was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. Two months later, on June 13, Ronnie passed away.
‘Sandwich generation’ faces stress caring for kids and parents
They’re called the “sandwich generation." The people taking care of their kids, their parents or older loved ones.
