After a year-long closure and massive renovations, the M24, formerly the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, has reopened with a grand ambition: to become the world’s premier destination for motorsport. More than just a refresh, this is a complete overhaul designed to immerse visitors in the rich history of racing, extending far beyond endurance events.
The M24, situated adjacent to the iconic circuit, is no longer solely the custodian of the 24 Hours of Le Mans legend. It now aims to be the pantheon for all forms of motorsport, a space that breathes competition in every shape and form. Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), proudly stated, “This is the culmination of a long-term project.” The realization of this new museum in just nine months, a true “daily challenge,” underscores the teams’ determination to make this venue an unmissable landmark.
Endurance as the Foundation for Universal Ambition
The new M24 is set to make a significant impression. The former 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum has given way to a re-envisioned, expanded environment dedicated to the entirety of motorsport. “We truly felt that Le Mans was the rightful place to create what doesn’t exist today: the motorsport museum,” explained Fabrice Bourrigaud, the museum’s director. The goal is to narrate the grand history of the discipline, leveraging the aura of the Le Mans circuit, one of the most famous globally alongside Indianapolis and Monaco. The history of modern car racing itself began here in 1906, further solidifying the legitimacy of this choice.
The gamble was audacious: reopen before the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours, following a closure after the 2025 race. “We have a major flaw here: we can’t stand not being open during the 24 Hours of Le Mans!” Fabrice Bourrigaud joked. The construction, which could have taken two years, was completed in eleven months, a “minor feat” that echoes the competitive spirit of racing teams.
Doubled Space for Total Immersion
With its surface area doubled, from 5,000 to 10,000 square meters, the M24 offers a radically transformed visitor experience. The layout has been entirely rethought to modernize the approach and appeal to a broader audience. The scenographic journey promises thrills, from immersing visitors in the night of the 24 Hours to a chronological exploration of motorsport history.
Beyond endurance, the museum proudly embraces other premier disciplines: Formula 1, IndyCar, rally, and even motorcycle racing. “Before, we had barely a hundred cars, and now we’re around 130 in total,” Bourrigaud noted. The objective is to “stage them better, to tell stories.” The museum aims to be more immersive, seeking to evoke emotions and sensations through carefully crafted settings and lighting that enhance these “mechanical works of art” on the asphalt.
Legends Gathered Under the Le Mans Sky
The M24 houses treasures that are sure to excite enthusiasts. Meticulous attention to detail is evident everywhere, down to the floor faithfully replicating the circuit’s track surface. The investment from Richard Mille, sharing rare pieces from his collection, and the wealth of ACO archives enrich a journey where authenticity reigns supreme.
The “Allée des Héros” (Alley of Heroes) highlights two iconic figures: Michael Schumacher and Henri Pescarolo. The German’s Ferrari F2002, “a car with which he easily dominated,” is displayed alongside exceptional pieces like the 1924 Bentley winner. “To choose is to renounce!” admitted Fabrice Bourrigaud, struggling to single out one definitive masterpiece. He did, however, mention the Rondeau, a symbol of local pride that challenged the giants, Jacky Ickx’s 1970 Ferrari, and Sébastien Loeb’s rally exploits.
The current collection is just a glimpse of its potential, with nearly 400 cars in reserve. The museum is designed to be dynamic, featuring rotation of permanent collections and a dedicated space for temporary exhibitions starting in 2027. The M24 thus hopes to quickly surpass 300,000 annual visitors, cementing Le Mans’ status, more than ever, as the world capital of motorsport.
M24 in Pictures: Discover the New Museum
- Global Ambition: M24 positions itself as the benchmark museum for all of motorsport.
- Enhanced Immersion: A scenographic journey and doubled floor space for a deeper visitor experience.
- Discipline Diversity: Beyond endurance, F1, IndyCar, rally, and motorcycle racing are featured.
- Exceptional Collections: Over 130 legendary vehicles, including rare pieces and historically significant cars.
- Legendary Tributes: The Alley of Heroes pays homage to figures like Schumacher, Pescarolo, and Ickx.
- Living Project: Collection rotation and planned temporary exhibitions to maintain museum appeal.
