Head a little east of the Hendricks County line and you land in the Racing Capital of the World - the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tucked within the iconic brickyard, just past turn two, is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. After a significant 60 million dollar, 17-month revitalization (its first in 40 years), the institution has reopened its doors, offering families a thrilling and educational experience where the past fuels the future. The museum's reopening marks a new chapter, one that emphasizes interactive displays, enhanced storytelling, and a broader appeal to visitors of all ages. Race fan? Not a race fan? There’s something for everyone to love!
Kids of all ages will love the museum’s “Starting Line Experience” where they can see the pomp and circumstance of Race Day from the perspective of standing at the Yard of Bricks. When the command to start their engines is given, the cars at the starting line roar to life! Little ones will enjoy the soft play area and “basics of racing” education boards of the Qualifying Zone, while older kids and adults will appreciate the virtual reality racing simulators, dissected Indy Car, and reaction time tests. They can also try their hand at changing a tire during a simulated pit stop, gaining a newfound appreciation for the athleticism required in motorsports.
The Starting Line Experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Standing at the Yard of Bricks, witness the flyover, then feel the engines roar to life! Image credit: IMS Museum
The soft play area in the Qualifying Zone features age appropriate activities for the smallest race fans. Image credit: IMS Museum
Go for a couple laps on the racing simulators - stop by at different times of year to try out different cars on different course configurations! Photo by Macaroni KID Hendricks.
The dissected car in the Qualifying Zone was completely assembled by the Museum’s restoration team over a three-month period with real parts donated from teams and manufacturers. It weighs roughly 1,000 pounds. Photo by Macaroni KID Hendricks.
One of the standout features is the collection of iconic cars, which is not limited to Indy 500 winners! The museum also has cleverly integrated multimedia displays, allowing visitors to hear the roar of the engines and see archival footage of historic races. This dynamic approach brings the past to life, making it relatable and engaging for even the youngest kids.
Guests can learn what it’s like to be a driver, strategist (shown here) or pit crew member in the new Qualifying Zone. Photo by Macaroni KID Hendricks.
One of the initial rotating exhibits is "Best of the Best: The Four-Time Winners" in the Chip Ganassi Gallery. Each winner has one of their winning cars on display as well as a racing suit, helmet, and other relevant artifacts. Image credit: IMS Museum
The museum also offers educational programs and workshops designed specifically for children. These programs provide hands-on learning opportunities that connect the history of racing to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. In the Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation Innovation Workshop, kids can examine the concepts, challenges, and innovations that drive a successful racing team. This room includes things like robotics that teach about different track-related terms, a gravity track with four different experiments, an aerodynamics wall that can fabricate certain challenges, and more. The workshop intentionally lacks instructions to encourage creative problem solving. Except for times when the room is reserved for groups or field trips, this experience and daily programming is included in the price of admission! (If you’re interested in reserving the Innovation Workshop yourself, it’s available for school, homeschool, or youth groups of 15 or more students. Find more information at imsmuseum.org/visit/education-programs/.)
New 3D printers in the Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation Innovation Workshop. Photo by Macaroni KID Hendricks.
A continuing attraction of the museum is the track tours. Now with an accompanying lounge, you can book a tour which will take you around the 2.5 mile oval on a bus, even giving you an opportunity to kiss the bricks.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has taken great care to ensure that the experience is accessible and enjoyable for families with children of all ages. The museum is stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of rest areas for those who need a break. The staff is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, ready to answer questions and share fascinating anecdotes. 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 working 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 will indicate “headphone areas” for those with sensitivities to noise.
Guests can learn what it’s like to be a driver, strategist or pit crew member (shown here) in the new Qualifying Zone. Photo by Macaroni KID Hendricks.
Located inside the oval course, the museum is easily accessible by car. Parking is available, and the museum is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. It’s always best to check the museum’s website (imsmuseum.org) for the most up-to-date information on hours and admission fees.
The museum is only closed two days a year; Thanksgiving and Christmas. Consider timing your visit to coincide with one of the many events held at the speedway throughout the year. The Indianapolis 500, of course, is the busiest, but there are also other races, concerts, and festivities to pair with a visit to the museum. Stop by during the Brickyard 400, the Carb Day concert, or a practice day!
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum's reopening is a significant moment for the city, offering families a chance to connect with the rich racing history of Indy. Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or simply looking for a fun outing, the museum has something to offer. The museum’s grand reopening is Wednesday, April 2nd, and tickets are available online at imsmuseum.org/tickets/. Children 5 and under are admitted for free, and youth tickets (ages 6-16) are $18. Adult tickets range from $18-25.
There’s a lot of cool racing history to Indy, and you don’t have to stand out in the heat on race day to experience it. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a great way to spend a day with the family and learn something, too. Check out what they’ve been up to!
Image credit: IMS Museum
