The M24 Motorsport Museum opened in Le Mans on May 28 after a lightning-fast nine-month renovation that displaced 45,000m³ of earth. Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, called it the culmination of a long-term project completed under intense time pressure. The museum now sits adjacent to the legendary circuit gates, ready for the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours.

The transformation doubled the museum's footprint from 5,000m² to 10,000m², allowing curators to expand from barely 100 cars to approximately 130 exhibits. Director Fabrice Bourrigaud emphasized the goal of creating a comprehensive motorsport experience that tells the sport's great history. The flooring uses identical asphalt to the Circuit des 24 Heures, and full-scale dioramas with team trucks and figurines immerse visitors in racing culture.

The collection features remarkable pieces including Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F2002 and the rare 1924 winning Bentley. Bourrigaud highlighted the Rondeau story as particularly special - a local who built his own car to beat Porsche and Jacky Ickx. Richard Mille's investment and the ACO's archive of 1,000,000 photographs support the museum's authenticity.

With Formula 1, IndyCar, rallying and motorcycling represented alongside endurance racing legends, the museum positions Le Mans as the definitive motorsport destination. The Alley of Heroes honors Schumacher and Henri Pescarolo, while temporary exhibition spaces will feature major themes starting in 2027. This facility is now essential viewing for any racing enthusiast visiting the circuit.