The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum opened in 1956 to share mementos and cars from the Indianapolis 500 race. Over time, it has transformed and grown into an enormous museum full of history and fun.
1. Tours
Take a tour to see behind the scenes of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Inside the museum you can find unique and rare racing memorabilia, while outside you can take a lap around the track. Depending on the tour option you choose, you can make a stop at the Yard of Bricks, Pagoda Plaza, and Gasoline Alley. One-on-one tours and discussions with professional guides, enjoying refreshments, and seeing key landmarks should all be on your list of activities.
2. Exhibits
Current Exhibit
“Granatelli: Larger Than Life presented by O’Donovan & McCardel Wealth Management of Raymond James” tells the tale of Andy Granatelli, the man who made STP Oil Treatment a global brand and brought technologically advanced cars to the Indianapolis 500. In 1969, he won the race with driver Mario Andretti.
Permanent Exhibits
“Winning Cars of the Indianapolis 500” features more than 25 vehicles spanning over 100 years. The IMS Museum also displays the Borg-Warner trophy, the annual prize for Indianapolis 500 winners. Also featured are historic memorabilia, bricks from the original track built in 1909, and the personal collection of Rudolf Caracciola.
Tony Hulman Theatre
Featuring an 8-minute video that tells the history of the IMS Museum.
The Gallery
Opened in 2016, the gallery features fine art and photography related to racing.
Photo Car
Experience sitting in a real race car from the Indy 500. Purchase a printed photo or use your own camera for free.
3. Educational Programs
The IMS Museum provides fun and exciting programs to learn about some of the people, innovations, and history of the racetrack. To make learning more accessible, the museum provides lesson plans for teachers to use with their students.
4. Hall of Fame
Honoring drivers, team owners, mechanics, engineers, designers, journalists, historians, and more for their contributions to the sport of racing, the IMS Hall of Fame was created so these important people will not be forgotten.
5. Events
The Distinguished Speaker Series
Featuring discussions and stories by drivers, team owners, family, and friends, this is a place to hear firsthand accounts from people who are a part of the history of the IMS.
Fuel Up Fridays
You can begin your Friday at the track, enjoying coffee and conversations with current and retired drivers, racetrack officials and members of the media. Guest speakers will share stories and participate in a Q&A during this free, one-hour, members-only event.
Memorabilia Meet
This annual event brings collectors and dealers from all over, featuring autographed photos, posters, programs, diecast cars, and more.
Indianapolis Historic Racing Exhibition
The IMS Museum hosts approximately 70 historic race cars on the weekend of the Indy 500, including present-day drivers, owners, and mechanics. The Indianapolis Historic Racing Exhibition (IHRE) has a driving display on the 2.5-mile IMS track. Historic vehicles drive around the oval course to showcase the adventure and innovation that the Indianapolis 500 is known for.
Whether going for a special occasion or to tour the permanent installations, you are guaranteed to have fun. Show up at the IMS Museum in style with a vehicle from Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.
Image via pixabay.com
Connect with us
