The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (IMS) has announced a $20 million grant from the Lilly Endowment in support of a planned transformation of the museum, including the addition of a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) classroom.

The grant is part of an $89 million capital campaign, which will support the museum’s first significant renovation in nearly 40 years and includes a $5 million pledge to match additional gifts on a one-to-one basis. The STEAM classroom will feature educational resources and programs. In addition, IMS is working with K-12 and higher education institutions to develop STEAM curricula and with several Indianapolis arts and cultural organizations to strengthen museum programming and reach new audiences.

The campaign goal includes $64 million earmarked for the complete transformation of the interior, $15 million for an automobile and equipment restoration facility that will enable visitors to tour and see automobile restoration in real time, and $10 million toward the creation of an endowment.

“We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for its catalytic gift, which will help students of all ages to engage in a new robust STEAM initiative that provides learning opportunities in the science, math, art, and technology fields,” said IMS president Joe Hale. “A custom on-site STEAM classroom will be a cornerstone of the new IMS Museum, led by an experienced education professional who will create and deliver original hands-on educational experiences and curricula that will spark students’ interest and expose them to potential careers in the motorsports industry.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/momentcaptured1)