Conrad Indianapolis and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Debut “The Art of Speed” Exhibition Celebrating Racing History

In celebration of the start of racing season, Conrad Indianapolis, in collaboration with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum, has debuted “The Art of Speed: An Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Pop-Up at Conrad Indianapolis,” a special exhibition exploring the artistry, heritage and enduring legacy of American motorsports.

As interest in sports-driven travel continues to rise, the exhibition offers a timely cultural experience for visitors coming to Indianapolis for racing and other major events. According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, nearly 20% of global travelers cite sporting events and entertainment as the primary reason behind their travel plans, highlighting the growing demand for immersive experiences that connect guests to the culture and history of the destinations they visit.

Now open and scheduled to run through September 25, 2026, the pop-up exhibition features a curated collection of works and historic program cover pieces drawn from the IMS Museum’s archives. Through dynamic paintings and imagery, the exhibition brings to life defining moments from more than a century of racing at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“We are honored to partner with the IMS Museum to bring this exhibition to life,” said Ryan Fitzgerald, general manager, Conrad Indianapolis. “This collaboration transforms our gallery space into an immersive pop-up experience, blending hospitality with heritage. ‘The Art of Speed’ reflects Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to impactful experiences - offering our guests and visitors a chance to engage with one of Indianapolis’ most iconic stories in an intimate, inspiring setting.”

“This exhibition at Conrad Indianapolis represents an exciting way to extend the reach of the IMS Museum beyond our walls,” said Michael Good, President of IMS Museum. “By bringing pieces of our collection into a new setting, we’re able to share the artistry and history of racing in a fresh format. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to storytelling, place-making and celebrating the cultural significance of the Speedway in Indianapolis.”

Located in the heart of downtown and within easy reach of IMS, Conrad Indianapolis continues to elevate its cultural programming through collaborations with leading arts and heritage institutions. The pop-up invites visitors and motorsports enthusiasts alike to discover the artistry behind one of the world’s most storied racing traditions. Guests will have a unique opportunity to view works and visual artifacts that capture the spirit, speed and spectacle of IMS, known as The Brickyard.

Highlights from the Collection

“The Art of Speed” will feature 16 diverse paintings depicting landmark moments and notable cars from Indianapolis racing history, including:

·       A striking depiction of the 1911 Marmon Wasp, driven by Ray Harroun, the car that won the first Indianapolis 500.

·       A dramatic racing scene by renowned motorsports artist Peter Helck illustrating the Marmon Wasp battling Ralph Mulford’s Lozier.

·       A commemorative painting titled “Indy Excitement / 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway” by acclaimed artist Thomas Kinkade honoring the centennial of racing at the track.

Additional works include original Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400 program cover pieces, along with depictions of iconic race-winning cars and memorable victories from across eras of Speedway history.

Together, the exhibition traces the visual history of the race - from early 20th-century competition to modern motorsports - through the lens of artists who captured the drama and pageantry of the Speedway.

Exhibition Details

On view exclusively at Conrad Indianapolis, the installation will offer complimentary admission for guests. Located in the hotel’s gallery space, it will have dedicated viewing hours Wednesday through Saturday 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. and will also be available to view upon request through the hotel team.

While the exhibition is primarily available to hotel guests, the property will also open its doors to the broader community on the first Friday of every month through “First Fridays” through September, creating a recurring opportunity for public engagement, connection and programming tied to the installation.

All artwork is presented as part of a museum loan from the IMS Museum and is not available for purchase.

For more information about Conrad Indianapolis or to plan a visit, please visit www.conradindianapolis.com. For more information about Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, please visit www.imsmuseum.org.