Permanent Galleries
The Heritage Group Gasoline Alley Gallery
Take a stroll through history in The Heritage Group Gasoline Alley Gallery. The gallery features seven garages, representing different eras of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, that highlight the stories of each time period through cars, decor, and immersive audio and visual elements. Corresponding cases are on the opposite side featuring several artifacts on view for the first time, including the original 1909 Articles of Incorporation for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company and the bucket hat Janet Guthrie wore in 1978 when she finished ninth in the Indianapolis 500, generously donated by Janet herself.
Starting Line Experience
The Starting Line Experience immerses guests in what it feels like to be at the starting line of the Indianapolis 500. Experience Race Day traditions with a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology, imagery, and show cars of the front-row drivers of the most recent “500”. A seven-minute video plays on an 80-foot by 20-foot LED-screen that begins with the cannon firing and concludes with the green flag at the start of the race. When the “Drivers, start your engines” command is given in the video, the show cars roar to life.
The John H Holliday Family Indianapolis 500 Winners Gallery
The John H Holliday Family Indianapolis 500 Winners Gallery celebrates the winning cars that have shaped Indianapolis Motor Speedway history. From the 1911 Marmon Wasp to Dan Wheldon’s 2011 William Rast Dallara, the cars are now displayed on platforms with improved lighting and signage, including hydraulic platforms along the wall at a 45-degree angle to allow people to look inside the driver seats. The Borg-Warner Trophy is the focal point in the center of the space, with an updated display worthy of holding one of the most unique trophies in sports. The gallery is located on two levels, with 17 winning “500” cars showcased on the main level and 12 on the lower level.
Mezzanine
The Mezzanine, located above the Winners Gallery, focuses on the extensive artifacts in the Museum’s collection. This oval-shaped area, in honor of the Speedway’s iconic oval, allows more opportunities to tell the stories of IMS—from “500” traditions and fan experiences, to safety improvements and innovations in technology. There are multiple interactive kiosks, including ones dedicated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and a timeline of IMS’s history. This gallery also showcases the other motorsports the Speedway has hosted including stock cars, sports cars, motorcycles, and air racing.
Qualifying Zone
Through immersive hands-on activities like a pit stop challenge, driving simulators, a strategy challenge and more, guests can learn what it’s like to be a driver, strategist or pit crew member in the new Qualifying Zone. This area of learning has something for guests of all ages—from a soft play area for the youngest fans to the dissected car display which goes into detail on the parts that make up an Indy Car.
Penske Gallery
The Penske Gallery is an interactive experience that chronicles the history of Team Penske, its team members, and the driving force behind the team, Roger Penske. The gallery features historic race cars, legendary trophies, unique artifacts, and displays honoring some of the most iconic and accomplished drivers in racing history.
Track Lounge
The Track Lounge serves as the conclusion to the Museum, offering guests the opportunity to book a tour of the track that they just learned so much about. While tours will depart from the lounge, it’s not just a place to board a bus—this space includes an interactive 3-D track map where guests can visually see the evolution of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1909 to present day, a photo car for souvenir pictures, and the “In the Race” video experience, where guests can see footage from the “500” projected on the walls as they walk down the hallway. A grab-and-go food and beverage stand for guests to fuel up completes the lounge.