May at the Museum
Know Before You Go
It’s officially May and we can’t wait to welcome you to the Museum this month! The Museum is open whenever the track is—including Race Day for the Indianapolis 500. Please note that Museum tickets do not include required IMS gate admission.
With exciting, engaging, and educational exhibits, the Museum brings the thrill of the Indianapolis 500 to life. Learn what it’s like to be a driver, strategist or pit crew member in the Qualifying Zone. Absorb the history behind “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in The Heritage Group Gasoline Alley Gallery. View iconic cars in the John H Holliday Family Indianapolis 500 Winner’s Gallery—plus so much more!
Tickets
Gate Admission
Museum tickets do not include Indianapolis Motor Speedway gate admission, which must be purchased separately on event days (practice, qualifying, Race Day, etc.). Gate admission is required on those days, you will not be able to enter the track and access the Museum without it. For ease of entry into the track, purchase IMS tickets before arrival. Visit IMS’s website for more details.
Timed Ticketing
We are expecting a high volume of guests in May, particularly on Carb Day (May 22) and Legends Day (May 23). We will be observing strict timed entry enforcement. When you purchase your tickets, you select an arrival time. Please don’t arrive any earlier than 15 minutes before that entry time. You are welcome to stay at the Museum as long as you like once inside (until we close at 5 p.m.). There’s so much to see and do!
Museum tickets for May IMS event dates are listed separately from Museum General Admission. Keep scrolling down for specific May admission dates.
Hours
The Museum will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with the exception of these dates:
May 2: 12 – 5 p.m. (post 500 Festival Mini-Marathon)
May 8-9: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 12-15: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 16: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 17: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 18: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 22-23: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 24: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Parking
The Museum parking lot is unavailable on IMS event days (practice, qualifying, Race Day, etc.). Guests must park in guest parking lots as directed by IMS staff or purchase parking in outside lots on select days.
Members
Memberships do not include Indianapolis Motor Speedway gate admission, which must be purchased separately on event days (practice, qualifying, Race Day, etc.). For ease of entry into the track, purchase tickets before arrival. Once at the Museum, you will have a dedicated member line to move you through faster. Members are not required to reserve free timed tickets ahead of time, but its highly recommended.
Rules
Coolers and backpacks are not allowed inside the Museum on event days. A courtesy cooler/bag drop zone is available East of the Museum entrance. Courtesy lockers are also available in the Welcome Center for first-come, first-serve. The IMS Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Please review the Museum’s full Code of Conduct prior to your visit.
View All May Events
frequently asked questions
Is the Museum open on Race Day?
Yes, the Museum is open on Race Day. We open at the same time as the track gates, 6 a.m.
Do you accept walk-ins?
During the Month of May, reserving tickets ahead of time online is highly recommended.
Walk-ins are welcome as long as tickets are still available.
Do you accept cash?
The IMS Museum is a cashless facility. Please be prepared to complete your general admission, tour tickets, merchandise purchases and more via debit or credit card.
Can I change my ticket reservation time?
Yes, as long as we have tickets available for the time slot you want to move to, we can reschedule your ticket time. To do so, please to contact our Ticketing & Reservations Department at 463.244.2688 or email tours@imsmuseum.org.
What happens if I arrive early or late to my ticket reservation time?
While we encourage guests to arrive no more than 15 minutes before their time slot, tickets will be honored if you arrive earlier or later.
How far in advance can I reserve tickets?
Tickets can be purchased up to 60 days in advance. If you’d like to book more than than 60 days out, please email tours@imsmuseum.org.
What code of conduct policies does the Museum have?
View the Museum’s Code of Conduct policies here.
Are Track Tours available?
The Museum is located within an active racing facility. Due to track activity or weather, track tours may not be available the day of your visit. View our Track Tour page for the most up-to-date schedule.
Are backpacks and/or coolers allowed?
Backpacks and coolers are not allowed inside the Museum or the IMS Gift Shop. A designated outdoor storage area is available for your belongings while you explore inside. A limited number of lockers can be found in the Museum Welcome Center, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The Museum and IMS are not liable for any lost or stolen items.
Are strollers/diaper bags allowed?
Yes, strollers and diaper bags are allowed.
Do you have a cafe/restaurant?
No, the Museum does not have a cafe or restaurant.
Do you have a gift shop?
The IMS Museum is home to the Official Shop of IMS. When entering the Museum, the gift shop is to the right. Museum admission is not required to access the gift shop.
Can I apply my ticket purchase toward a membership?
Yes, you can apply your ticket purchase toward a membership up to 7 days after your visit. Please contact our Membership Department at members@imsmuseum.org or 463.244.2704 for assistance.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, we sell gift certificates that are applicable for Museum admission, tours, or memberships. These gift cards are not valid for the Gift Shop.
To purchase a gift certificate, click here, then choose the “Merchandise” tab.
Is photography allowed in the Museum?
Any video, photographs, and recordings taken on Museum grounds shall be for private, noncommercial use only unless approved by the Museum. Please review the Photography and Videography Policy here.
If you are a member of the media, or a professional photographer hoping to shoot here for commercial purposes, please contact our Communications Manager at kburr@imsmuseum.org.
Can I let guests use my membership card?
No. Only named individuals on the membership receive free admission. Members guests’ only receive free admission when accompanied by a cardholder and if included in the membership level.
Do I receive any benefits for purchasing an IMS Museum license plate?
Thank you for choosing an IMS Museum plate. Since the license plate is considered a donation, benefits are not included. We appreciate your support.
Can I park inside the track during event days if I'm just going to the Museum?
On event days, only guests with valid IMS parking passes will be allowed to park inside the grounds. Museum guests will need to park outside the gates and walk in during those times, unless you’d like to purchase a parking pass.
Should I bring hearing protection for my kids?
While most days there is no track activity, you can reference the Speedway’s calendar to see if the track is active during your visit. For your Museum visit specifically, Kulture City bags, which include headphones, are available at the Welcome Center desk.