Argomenti trattati
The M24 project grew out of a partnership between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (represented by Pierre Fillon) and Richard Mille, formalised in 2026 under the joint venture MACO. The plan involved renovating the original 1961 building and adding a contemporary extension by architect Frédéric Audevard, increasing the exhibition footprint to 8,600 m². Delivered on an accelerated schedule to be ready for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026, the programme was overseen by Philippe Morançais and the construction company CMB, and relied on the skills of 14 trades and 23 companies, mostly from the local region. The development was framed not only as a cultural investment but also as an economic contribution to the Le Mans area.
The architectural intent deliberately echoes the dynamics of racing: sweeping forms, continuous lines and carefully managed light to move visitors through displays as if following a racing line. The design language draws on aerodynamics as a conceptual starting point, using lightweight materials such as aluminium for durability and recyclability. Environmental measures are integral: a green roof supports rainwater management through harvesting and drainage systems, and the project aligns with the ACO’s broader CSR commitments. Inside, object conservation and visitor flow were considered in tandem so that the building both protects and performs as a stage for high-performance machines.
Architecture and construction: shaping motion into space
Audevard’s extension is intended to embody speed and mechanical poetry, with volumes and circulation designed to feel like airflow around a prototype. The approach focused on the union of form and function: broad, continuous circulation corridors allow the visitor route to unfold naturally while specialised zones protect exhibits. The renovation preserved the historic 1961 structure while the new wing provides modern exhibition infrastructure, climate control and logistics for moving large vehicles. Project delivery required close coordination between architects, scenographers and conservation teams so that the technical requirements of displaying race cars—weight loading, rigging points and controlled lighting—were integrated from the earliest stages.
Construction logistics also emphasised sustainability and local engagement: most contractors were regionally based and materials were chosen for longevity and recyclability. The site includes practical amenities to support heavy equipment and visitor services, and the environmental features such as the green roof reduce runoff and improve the building’s thermal performance. In this way, M24 aims to be more than a museum building: it is presented as a physical expression of racing values—efficiency, precision and respect for resources—translated into architectural decisions and building systems.
Museography and visitor experience
Narrative approach and storytelling
The exhibition concept was entrusted to the scenography studio The Immersers, led by Raphaël Daguet, who conceived a narrative-driven visitor journey spanning the race’s origins up to 2026. Their method treats exhibition design as active storytelling rather than static display: sequences are arranged to recreate moments such as scrutineering in the city, race nights and podium celebrations. The team assembled multi-sensory elements and interactive moments so that visitors do not merely observe vehicles but feel connected to the people—drivers, mechanics and fans—who made the history. This narrative layering is supported by technology used deliberately as a facilitation tool rather than as an end in itself.
Immersive elements and collections handling
Highlights of the museum include life-size dioramas, a dedicated materials library where visitors can touch steering wheels and fabrics, and large abstract murals that frame reflective moments, suggesting that racing machines have entered the territory of art. The scenography team designed time-capsule displays that isolate moments in a car’s life to encourage emotional engagement, and they used controlled natural light to showcase materials without compromising conservation. The approach balances theatrical presentation with rigorous collection care so that dramatic staging and preservation standards coexist.
Practical information for visitors
M24 is located at 9 place Luigi Chinetti, 72100 Le Mans. For reservations or enquiries call 00 33 2 43 72 72 24 or email [email protected]. The museum and the adjacent circuit operate year-round, but access can be modified during major events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans or Le Mans Classic; if you do not hold an event ticket, parking and circulation may be restricted, so the museum recommends checking the ACO events calendar before travelling. Two free car parks—Chinetti and Rouge—are within a five-minute walk and are motorhome-accessible; designated spaces for people with reduced mobility are available.
Public transport links include tram line T1 from the city centre or station (get off at Guetteloup – Pôle Santé Sud) and several bus lines from other city stops; travel times from regional hubs are approximately 50 minutes from Rennes, 1 hour from Paris and 1 hour 30 minutes from Nantes by train to Le Mans station. Guided programmes cover the 24 Hours of Le Mans, broader motorsport history and a two-hour circuit walking tour with privileged access to race control, the podium and commentator boxes. Ticketing notes: reservations are recommended at peak times, group bookings are mandatory, ACO members benefit from a free first visit and reduced rates apply for students, job seekers and people with disabilities. The museum is fully accessible, photography without flash is allowed for personal use, food is prohibited inside (a cafeteria is available) and only guide dogs are accepted.