Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Set for April 2 Grand Reopening After Extensive Transformation

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum is poised to welcome visitors back on April 2, following the culmination of a substantial transformation project. This significant undertaking aims to enhance the visitor experience and further solidify the museum’s status as a premier destination for motorsport history enthusiasts.

Operating as a public, non-profit organization, the IMS Museum maintains a distinct operational identity from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself. Its continued operation and funding for its diverse range of programs rely heavily on revenue generated through admissions and dedicated support.

Membership Opportunities and Community Access

In supporting the museum’s mission, visitors have several avenues for engagement and access. Membership options provide varying levels of benefits, including the Family/Grandparent membership priced at $175 and the Family/Grandparent Plus membership available for $215. Recognizing the importance of accessibility for educators and students, the museum offers a discounted annual membership rate of just $25 for students and teachers (K-12/college/vocational) with valid identification. These memberships play a crucial role in sustaining the museum’s operations and its commitment to educational outreach.

Beyond standard admission and membership, the IMS Museum is dedicated to serving the broader community through various access initiatives. It actively strives to be an educational destination, providing free or reduced educational programming to students across the United States.

Community benefits extend further through programs like the Access Pass. This initiative allows qualified families to purchase general admission tickets for a reduced rate of $5. The Access Pass program is made possible through valuable partnerships with esteemed institutions such as The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Conner Prairie, and Newfields, underscoring a collaborative approach to cultural access in the region.

The museum also schedules Free Community Days on select dates throughout the year, offering opportunities for everyone to experience its collections without charge. Support for military families is provided via the Blue Star Program, granting active-duty military personnel and their immediate families free general admission year-round upon presentation of valid identification.

Another notable access program is Museums On Us, sponsored by Bank of America. Holders of a Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, or Bank of America Private Bank (US Trust) credit or debit card can receive one free general admission on the first full weekend of each month. Access through this program requires advanced ticketing, a measure to manage visitor flow effectively.

A Commitment to Education and Outreach

The transformation project underscores the IMS Museum’s enduring commitment to its role as an educational institution. By offering free or reduced educational programming, it aims to inspire and educate students about the rich history of motorsports and innovation associated with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Calendar at IMS

While the museum’s reopening is a major highlight, the broader Indianapolis Motor Speedway complex is preparing for a dynamic 2025 calendar of events. Fans can anticipate a diverse range of motorsport activities throughout the year, reinforcing IMS’s status as a global hub for racing.

Scheduled events for 2025 at IMS include:

* Ferrari Challenge: June 28-29
* BC39: July 1-2
* USAC Indiana Sprint Week: July 24
* Brickyard Weekend: July 25-27
* TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks: September 19-21
* Indianapolis 8 Hour: October 17-19

These events promise to draw significant attention and complement the museum’s mission to preserve and present the history tied to this iconic venue.

Conclusion

The reopening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum on April 2 represents a significant milestone after its transformation. As a vital non-profit institution, the museum continues to rely on visitor support through admissions and memberships to sustain its operations and expand its reach through educational and community programs. With enhanced facilities and a calendar of exciting events on the horizon at the Speedway, the IMS Museum is set to continue its legacy as a cherished repository of motorsport history and a valuable community asset.