See inside IMS Museum’s basement as 150 historic cars moved ahead of renovation
Luke Edwards, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum manager of digital content, talks through the museum’s upcoming renovation.
Mykal McEldowney, Indianapolis Star
It’s a basement. But to the eye, it looks and smells more like a garage. And it’s where the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum stores 150 historic cars when not on display on the floor above.
This week and next, crews with Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s museum and Classic Car Carriers are working quickly and carefully to remove those cars ahead of an $89 million transformational museum renovation. Vehicles have been labeled and are being pushed by hand, some driven, onto large car hauler trucks and then placed into storage at an offsite location.
On Nov. 5, the Racing Capital of the World’s museum will close to the public for nearly 18 months. During the closure, visitors will still be able to enjoy the traditional track tours. The museum will reopen in April 2025, weeks ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500.
The newly renovated museum will feature 6,700 new square feet of exhibition space, a brand-new elevated mezzanine space overlooking its gallery of winning cars and STEAM learning center, and other immersive exhibits.
Contact IndyStar photojournalist Mykal McEldowney at 317-790-6991 or mykal.mceldowney@indystar.com. Follow him on Instagram or Twitter.
