Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
4.8(4.8K)google
4.3(145)yelp
MotorsportSportsHistoryEducationalIndoor
Overview
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is an automotive museum on the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, United States, which houses the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. It is intrinsically linked to the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400, but it also includes exhibits reflecting other forms of motorsports, passenger cars, and general automotive history. In 2006, it celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeMay is absolute peak adrenaline season due to the running of the Indianapolis 500, drawing motorsport fans worldwide. However, for a pure museum visit to view the historic winning IndyCars and secure a coveted bus lap around the historic 2.5-mile oval track, opt for a non-race weekday morning in July or August before 10:00 AM.
Getting ThereLocated inside the historic infield of the racetrack at 4750 W 16th St, Speedway. Drive from downtown Indianapolis via westbound 16th St, enter through Gate 2 of the speedway tunnel between lines of grandstands, and follow signs to the extensive free parking lot surrounding the museum. Note: Access rules change drastically on race days.
Travel Tips
- The museum undergoes massive structural renovations. You must check the official website prior to arrival to verify the temporary exhibition status, relocated address, and alternative displays to avoid a wasted trip.
- The track bus tour is subject to active race testing and unscheduled track closures. You must purchase slots at the counter immediately at opening, as they cannot be booked online as standalone add-ons.
- During the Indy 500 race month in May, surrounding roads face military-grade closures. Driving near the speedway without an official race pass is illegal; you must rely strictly on designated remote shuttle loops.
Reviews
Positive
- A bucket-list mecca for race fans! It displays an immense treasury of authentic Indy 500-winning race cars and legendary trophies, maximizing historical value.
- The most thrilling feature is taking the track shuttle bus for a real lap around the world-famous oval track and 'kissing the bricks' at the finish line.
- Though mechanically hardcore, it boasts fine accessible ramps, clean restrooms, and clear racing history walls under orderly crowd management.
- Transportation is easy, near highways with a massive free parking lot (on non-race days); tickets are high-value for such a legendary, historic track.
Heads up
- Because the museum is undergoing massive modernization renovations, certain galleries and core car collections are unavailable, impairing trips.
- During the Indy 500 race week in May, the track and surrounding streets turn into gridlock hell; ticket prices skyrocket amid deafening engine roars.
- Without a car, public bus links outside are sparse, lacking fast direct lines to the downtown commercial hubs, which is inconvenient for car-free tourists.
- Internal costs like racing simulators and official apparel carry steep price tags—typical high sports premiums; budgeting requires thought.