The M24 Motorsport Museum in Le Mans opened its doors on 28 May 2026, after a nine‑month construction sprint that transformed the former Le Mans 24 Hours Museum into a 10,000 m² showcase of global motorsport history.
A nine‑month sprint to open
President Pierre Fillon, speaking just hours before the inauguration, described the schedule as “the Le Mans 24 Hours starts at 4 pm on Saturday, and the museum had to open at 10 am on 28 May,” underscoring the tight deadline imposed by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). 45,000 m³ of earth were moved, internal walls shifted, and the entire exhibit concept re‑engineered within the short window.
Space doubled, experience re‑imagined
Formerly a 5,000 m² venue, the museum now spans 10,000 m², allowing designers to place historic cars on a floor that mirrors the asphalt of the Circuit des 24 Heures. The enlarged footprint supports immersive chronology: visitors start with the roar of a race‑day start, traverse a simulated night‑time run, then move into sections dedicated to Formula 1, IndyCar, rallying and motorcycling.
A collection that spans every discipline
Director Fabrice Bourrigaud highlighted the shift from “barely 100 cars” to roughly 130 vehicles, each positioned to tell a distinct story rather than merely fill display cases. Collaboration with scenographer Raphael Daguet placed the machines on tarmac, using light as the primary storytelling tool. Richard Mille’s partnership contributed rare pieces from his private collection, while the ACO supplied an archive of one million photographs to enrich the narrative.
Iconic machines share the same hall
The “Alley of Heroes” anchors the exhibition, flanked by Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 and Henri Pescarolo’s legendary car. Other headline attractions include the 1924 Bentley winner, the 1970 Jacky Ickx Ferrari, a Rondeau built by a local constructor that stunned Porsche, and Sebastien Loeb’s rally icon. Full‑scale dioramas feature team trucks, silicone figurines, and a tarmac layout identical to the circuit’s surface.
Rotating displays and future themes
With a reserve of up to 400 cars, the museum plans to rotate its permanent collection and host temporary exhibitions beginning in 2027, ensuring that the venue remains dynamic throughout each racing season.
Opening just in time for the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours, the M24 Motorsport Museum now stands as a mandatory pilgrimage for enthusiasts, offering a blend of historic authenticity and contemporary exhibition design that reflects the endurance spirit of its namesake race.
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