What is the "Stories Behind the Spectacle" Campaign?

The Stories Behind the Spectacle capital campaign was announced to the public in July 2023 to fund a complete transformation of the Museum as well as the building of a new Restoration and Event Facility. As a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, and a separate entity from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Museum is responsible for its own fundraising and revenue generation.

In April 2025, thanks to the generosity of incredible donors, the Museum completed the first chapter of the campaign, opening a completely reimagined facility with a focus on telling the stories of the Indianapolis 500 and Indianapolis Motor Speedway in an educational, engaging, and interactive way.

Pictured: The John H Holliday Family Indianapolis 500 Winners Gallery

The Next Chapter: Restoration and Event Facility

Now, the Museum is turning the page to a new and exciting chapter of our story—the construction of a brand-new 60,000-square-foot Restoration and Event Facility. Located in the Town of Speedway, just outside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this additional facility will provide dedicated space for the full-time restoration department to continue preserving and caring for the vehicle collection.

The Museum also has a growing demand for private facility rentals. With a backdrop of priceless historic vehicles, the Restoration and Event Facility will offer a unique option for meeting and event planners in the Indianapolis area and beyond.

Pictured: A rendering of the Restoration and Facility event. Rendering is conceptual only, final design may differ.

A Living Collection

80 percent of the Museum’s car collection runs, thanks to the hard work of the restoration team. They currently work out of two 1,500-square-foot restoration buildings. The nearly 70-year-old buildings limit work to three cars and required equipment. This new Restoration and Event Facility will include multiple restoration and detailing bays as well as dedicated space for vehicle storage. Cars not displayed in the Museum will be housed in the facility, where there are plans to offer public tours. As one of the few museums with an active car restoration department, the new facility is essential for the continued preservation and care of historic vehicles.

Pictured: The current restoration building.

Meet the Restoration Team

The Museum currently has five full-time restoration staff members with a combined 175 years of experience as crew members in IndyCar, NASCAR, and restoring vintage cars. They are responsible for the 150+ vehicles in the Museum’s collection. As the Museum’s collection grows, this new facility will allow us to add additional full-time staff, part-time staf, and apprenticeships, increasing job opportunities within the Museum organization.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The new facility will enhance the Museum’s newly established education program and highlight workforce development. Hands-on learning classes and apprenticeships will be offered for students interested in pursuing careers in automotive engineering and restoration. The space will also host field trips, summer camps, and more to expose students to science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) concepts.

Pictured: Education Manager Nakia helping a summer camp participant build a car.

Ways to Support

Support of The Stories Behind the Spectacle Campaign can be made in a variety of ways. Whether you wish to make a one-time donation, a pledge commitment, or a legacy gift, your contributions are vital our success. Additionally, naming recognition opportunities are available for various giving levels. To learn more about your options of giving, please contact Bridget Sutton at bsutton@imsmuseum.org.

Pictured: A rendering of the Restoration and Facility event. Rendering is conceptual only, final design may differ.