Current Exhibitions

Before the current building was opened in 1976, the Museum spent the first twenty years of existence just outside of the turn 1 grandstands. Opening in 1956, in honor of the late Wilbur Shaw who helped save the speedway after WWII and was a three-time winner of the “500”, the collection began with his winning Maserati racer.

This was the spark that ignited one of the world’s premiere automotive collections and a Museum centered at the heart of the track, preserving and celebrating the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for generations to come.

“1956” honors the original Museum, featuring the first 13 vehicles on display, early collection items, and the history of the Museum.