Inauguration – M24 Le Mans: The Motor Sport Museum opens its doors

Starting tomorrow, motorsport enthusiasts have an unmissable event. Located at the gates of the circuit... 24 Hours of Le MansThe M24 Motorsport Museum has reopened to the public. A deliberately immersive, cultural space dedicated to those who have pushed the boundaries, it required eleven months of renovation work, fourteen different trades, and twenty-three companies – the vast majority of which are locally based – to bring this 8,600-square-meter space to life. An extension designed by Frédéric Audevard was added to the existing building, which dates back to 1961 and has been completely renovated. "The M24 project asserts a strong architectural identity, directly inspired by the aerodynamics, speed, and emotion inherent in the world of motor racing, and more specifically by the spirit of the prototypes competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans," the architect explained in the press release. He further elaborated: "The architecture unfolds through continuous lines and volumes of tension, designed like trajectories." The interior circulation is conceived as a flow, a fluid progression comparable to air flowing over the body of a racing car. Here, the building doesn't simply house the performance; it is its natural extension. As proof, the resin floor represents the asphalt of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, faithfully reproducing the track. Far from being insignificant, this detail reflects a desire to immerse the spectator.

Theatre of emotions
Much more than a museum, the M24 is first and foremost a theater guided by the shared conviction of Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO, and Richard Mille, co-shareholder of MACO (MACO is a partnership between the ACO, represented by its president Pierre Fillon, and Richard Mille), that "heritage only has meaning if it is brought to life." To achieve this, The Immersers, a scenography company based in Nantes, was tasked with showcasing the collections through a unique museographic approach. The goal was to offer visitors an immersive experience. "Our ambition was to create time capsules, capsules of life and encounters—with the drivers, the teams, the passionate fans—so that this place would be moving, sensational, and historic," explained Raphaël Daguet, scenographer. A materials library has been set up to allow visitors to touch replicas of steering wheels and racing suits. Other immersive experiences include a life-size diorama and a sound and light show dedicated to the 24 Hours of Le Mans at night. The twice-around-the-clock race is explored through an innovative journey through different rooms, allowing visitors to relive the legendary race from its origins in 1923 to the present day, from the start to the checkered flag.

Over 100 vehicles in the XXL rankings
The museum includes an exceptional collection of vehicles, in working order and representing 6 sporting disciplines:Endurance, of course, but also theIndycar, the F1, RallyThe motorcycle and the Cam-An are also featured. The hundred or so machines on display, each boasting a glorious history, represent a total of 35 world championship titles and 10 victories at Le Mans. Among them, ten are considered masterpieces (see below). Alongside them stand other "monuments" of motorsport, such as the racing suits of Ayrton Senna and Jacky Ickx. And while the collection of 4,800 miniatures, each a replica of every car that has participated in Le Mans since the first edition, is sure to delight, what can be said of the display of the first trophy awarded to the winners? To find out, all you have to do is go and experience an exceptional moment.

10 masterpieces
Porsche 917 LH 1971
Tracta Gephi 1928
Mazda 787B 1991
Toyota TS050 2020
Classic Ferrari for sale F2002
Maserati 250F V121
Renault RE40
Ferrari 712 Can AM
Lancia Stratos Alitalia
Ferrari Transporter