IMS Museum Breaks Ground on Transformative Restoration and Event Center

Indianapolis, USA – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum, a beacon of motorsports history and automotive heritage, has officially broken ground on its ambitious new Restoration and Event Center. This significant undertaking marks a new chapter in the museum's commitment to preserving and celebrating classic vehicles, ensuring that the legacy of automotive engineering and racing continues to inspire future generations.

The state-of-the-art facility, an expansive 87,000-square-foot complex, is situated at 1111 Polco Street in the town of Speedway, just minutes away from the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway track itself. This strategic location is poised to become a central hub for enthusiasts, scholars, and the general public, offering an unprecedented look into the intricate world of classic vehicle preservation. The groundbreaking, which occurred around May 13-14, 2026, sets the stage for a grand opening anticipated in May 2027.

A Hub for Preservation and Education

The new Restoration and Event Center is designed to be a dedicated space for the IMS Museum's full-time restoration department. Currently operating out of significantly smaller, aging buildings, the expanded facility will provide multiple restoration bays, detailing bays, and dedicated vehicle storage. This will allow the museum's skilled team to continue their vital work of meticulously preserving and caring for its extensive collection of historic cars and artifacts, many of which are active and race-ready.

Beyond its primary function as a restoration workshop, the center will also play a crucial educational role. Plans include offering hands-on learning classes and apprenticeships for students aspiring to careers in automotive engineering and restoration. This initiative aims to foster the next generation of automotive craftsmen and specialists, bridging the gap between historical preservation and future innovation. Public engagement is also a key component, with rotating exhibits and public tours planned to allow visitors to witness the restoration process firsthand. This 'active garage' concept provides a unique contrast to the main museum's traditional exhibition halls, pulling back the curtain on the dedication required to keep these magnificent machines alive and running.

Transformational Investment for Global Impact

Michael Good, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, emphasized the profound significance of this project. He described it as a "transformational investment in the future of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum," one that will strengthen the institution's long-term sustainability and expand its impact both locally and globally. Jason Vansickle, Vice President of Curation and Education, echoed this sentiment, noting that the new state-of-the-art facility will establish the IMS Museum as "one of the best museum restoration facilities in the country."

The development follows a major renovation of the main museum building, which reopened in April 2025 after a significant overhaul to modernize its exhibits and enhance the visitor experience. This new center complements the main museum by providing essential infrastructure for the physical preservation and dynamic maintenance of the collection, many vehicles of which are not always on display. The facility is expected to house approximately 200 cars, including both fully restored vehicles and those undergoing various stages of the restoration process. Furthermore, a 4,500-square-foot event space overlooking the workshop and storage areas will offer a unique venue for gatherings, adding another dimension to the museum's public offerings.

By investing in such a comprehensive facility, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is not only safeguarding its invaluable collection but also cementing Indianapolis's status as a premier destination for automotive heritage worldwide. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the roar of classic engines and the stories they tell will continue to resonate for generations to come.