Exploring the Indianapolis Speedway Museum

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA — Few sporting venues in the world inspire the same sense of awe as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Home of the iconic Indy 500, the grounds themselves feel like hallowed ground for motorsport fans.

On a recent visit, I parked near the towering grandstands and tried to imagine them filled with more than 300,000 fans, waiting for the green flag to wave. Even when empty, the vast oval radiates history. The infield is a small world of its own, complete with a golf course, a lake and parking areas. And at the heart of it all sits the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

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Refurbished in 2024, the museum has been transformed inside with fresh displays, updated signage and a new presentation of its world-class collection. From the outside, the building still has its classic, familiar look — a reminder that some traditions are best left untouched.

Before entering, I paused to admire two Indy cars cast in concrete, a creative tribute to the endurance of a race now well over a century old. Once inside, I was greeted by rows of gleaming machines that span the decades, each with a story to tell.

The museum showcases dozens of historic Indianapolis 500-winning cars, along with driver profiles, racing suits, helmets and trophies. Each vehicle is displayed with ample space, allowing visitors to take in every detail. Some cars are mounted into the walls, while others stand proudly on platforms, accompanied by signs recounting their place in racing history.

The collection goes beyond the Indy 500. NASCAR stock cars from the Brickyard 400 and endurance racers that competed at the Speedway add to the variety, reflecting the track’s wide-ranging legacy.

Interactive exhibits, a large video theatre and knowledgeable docents help bring the stories to life. A well-stocked gift shop ensures fans can take home a piece of the experience.

I spent nearly four hours exploring the museum, taking photographs, chatting with staff and absorbing the rich history on display. For any racing fan — casual or devoted — this is not a place to rush. Every corner reveals something worth lingering over.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is more than just a collection of cars; it is a living tribute to the sport, its legends and its enduring hold on fans worldwide.

For more photos from my visit, see: public.fotki.com/howardcohen/indy-museum-2025.