Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum opens two new exhibitions: ‘1956’ and ‘Our Collection, Your Favorites’

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has announced the opening of two new exhibitions, “1956” and “Our Collection, Your Favorites,” presented by Shell. The exhibitions are now open, and showcase collection highlights through two unique storytelling designs.

“1956” celebrates the origin of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. In 1956, the original Museum opened in what is now the location of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Administration building. This exhibition features the first 13 vehicles, including the Marmon Wasp and Indian Motorcycle. Collection items, including the Wheeler-Schebler trophy that was showcased for guests in the early days of the Museum, are complemented with narratives on the evolution of the Museum and those behind its original inception.

“Our Collection, Your Favorites” presented by Shell, puts the guest in the role of the curator. In March, guests, members, and fans could vote for cars in the Museum’s collection they wanted to see on display. After an online vote, the top 15 vehicles were selected. Collection items featured in this exhibition include over 30 diecast cars, vintage games, and racing suits.

“We wanted to pay homage to the first years of the Museum,” said Jason Vansickle, the Museum’s vice president of curation and education, about “1956.” “To see how it began as a modest display and has grown to be the largest collection of winning Indianapolis 500 cars is a testament to the vision of Tony Hulman, Wilbur Shaw, and Karl Kizer.”