5/3/2024
The Stories Behind the Spectacle- A CAMPAIGN TO REIMAGINE OUR MUSEUM FOR THE FUTURE
The MyRacePass staff comes across a lot of interesting stories in our travels, and last year while attending the Race Track Business Conference in Indianapolis, we attended a panel that included Mandi Bender, the VP of Operations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and learned about the massive renovation underway at the Museum.
As we approach the Indianapolis 500 this month, we thought it was the perfect time to share their story and introduce MRP users to the renovation.
In their words:
Reimagining the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum preserves the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500. Since 1956, the Museum’s collection has grown from a modest display of cars and artifacts to one of the world’s premier motorsports and automobile collections. A tax-exempt 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and a separate entity from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the IMS Museum is responsible for its own fundraising and revenue generation.
As we looked to the future of the Museum, we found a need to reimagine our space to display vehicles and objects better, protect our collection, and inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians, drivers, and fans. Through meaningful storytelling, we will capture the essence of the Speedway and honor the history and culture of the Indianapolis 500 and the racing industry.
Transformation of our Space
The museum will remain within its current footprint and be reconfigured to improve the guest experience from the moment you step inside. Beyond aesthetic and experiential changes, essential infrastructure elements must be addressed to ensure the sustainability and safety of our collection. Improved air and humidity control, museum-grade storage systems, and controlled lighting will preserve our vehicles and artifacts for years to come.
Telling The Stories
We are the keeper of the stories and have the honor of presenting them to long-time fans and first-time visitors. Using permanent displays such as those in the new Gasoline Alley or Mezzanine level, we can explore the history and significance of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway through a regular rotation of cars and artifacts. The increased displays will allow us to have more items on view and delve deeper into the stories we desperately want to tell. With dedicated, flexible rotating gallery space, the exhibition development team can produce multiple short-run exhibitions throughout the year that showcase specific topics or figures.
Inspiring the next generation
Beyond displays of vehicles and artifacts, we plan to use digital and interactive activities to give guests of all ages a hands-on experience at the Museum. The Qualifying Zone will feature activities like a “pit-stop challenge” and the always popular racing simulators. The Innovation Workshop will host field trips or educational programs, teaching students the engineering and technology aspects of the racing industry.
In collaboration with K-12 and higher education institutions, we plan to develop an education program with robust STEAM-based offerings that can introduce students to career opportunities within the racing industry and realize the job potential in central Indiana.
Familiar Favorites Will Remain
While there will be many improvements and new features, your favorites will remain in the Museum. The Borg-Warner Trophy will have an updated display among the winning Indianapolis 500 cars in the Museum’s collection. The lower level will feature changing exhibitions, but now they will be included with your admission ticket—no need for an additional purchase.
One of the most popular things we offer, track tours, will continue to be a mainstay. The addition of a track lounge allows visitors to reserve times, explore the digital map of the Speedway, and even grab a beverage before heading out to “Kiss the Bricks.” It’s the perfect way to finish your day at the Museum.
Planning for the Future
Of the $89 million capital campaign total, $64 million is earmarked for the complete transformation of the interior of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum building, including new infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology to create immersive exhibitions and experiences. Part of the project’s second phase will be a new $15 million automobile and equipment restoration facility, allowing visitors to tour and see automobile restoration work being done in real time.
The Museum will also dedicate $10 million toward the creation of an endowment, allowing the Museum to acquire additional artifacts that fulfill its mission of celebrating and preserving the history behind the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500.
To learn more about The Stories Behind the Spectacle campaign and to make a contribution, please visit imsmuseum.org/donate.
We look forward to welcoming you back in April 2025.
Article Credit: Jim Sweener
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