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.
-
Local organizations launch new support program for in-home childcare providers
A new initiative launched by Child Care Answers and the United Way of Central Indiana supports in-home daycare providers with resources they might not otherwise be able to afford.
Morgan County authorities seek help finding suspected arsonist
Morgan County authorities seek public help finding arsonist who set fire destroying 4 homes on Colonial Drive in Camby early Sunday morning.
1 dead in northeast Indianapolis shooting; 1 detained
One person has died following a shooting on Indianapolis' northeast side Sunday. A person of interest has been detained, police said.
Colts rally past the Cardinals for a 31-27 win
Daniel Jones threw two touchdown passes and Jonathan Taylor ran 1 yard for the go-ahead score with 4:32 left, giving the Indianapolis Colts a 31-27 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
