Unser & Herzog Galleries Now Open at Museum of American Speed

The Museum of American Speed held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Unser & Herzog galleries on Friday, April 25, in their newly expanded museum space.

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the museum is home to over 240,000 square feet of display space over three levels. It was formed to present a continuous chronology of automotive racing engine and speed equipment development and to preserve, interpret and display items significant in racing and automotive history, noted museum officials in a press release.

“The new addition, which opened in 2024, allowed us to add enhanced displays for NASCAR, off-road racing, and grow our already popular land speed, drag racing and custom show car displays,” said Tim Matthews, curator Museum of American Speed. “We’ve had a longtime relationship with the Unser and Herzog families and are honored to welcome their collections to the Museum of American Speed. Over the last few years, we’ve worked closely with these amazing families to curate the exhibits and are excited to announce the opening of the galleries to the public.”

Officially Opening the Galleries at the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Local dignitaries—including Governor Jim Pillen, Mayor Lierion Gaylor Baird, members of the Unser and Herzog families, and Lisa Haight of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb—were among those who shared remarks and participated in the ribbon cutting.

“This Museum is 250,000 square feet, and it’s the history of racing,” said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. “There’s nothing like it in the United States.”

Al Unser Jr. shared that this is the first time the whole Unser Collection will be under one roof. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making that happen,” Unser Jr said during opening remarks.

“In American history, and really in the history of the world, there isn’t another family to match the Unser’s combined success in racing,” Matthews added. “Their ability to produce so many world-class race car drivers is unmatched. Our new Unser Collection galleries explore the details of what led to this amazing success and chronicles their amazing history. For the first time ever, the collections from the Unser Museum and the collection from Bobby Unser are united to create the most comprehensive permanent display of vehicles, racing equipment, a staggering array of awards, art and video.

“Visitors can experience interactive displays, tour the vault where the most precious and personal artifacts are displayed, and see imagery which gives an inspiring glimpse into the people behind the legendary accomplishments. From dominating Pikes Peak, USAC Stock Car, IROC and IndyCar championships, nine Indianapolis 500 wins, the Unser Collection spans four generations and over 100 years of motorsports history. The Unser name is one of the greatest names in racing history, and the addition of this collection furthers our mission to preserve, interpret and display items significant to the history of American car culture and racing.”

“The board and I were so thrilled to find a home for the Unser Racing Museum,” said Susan Unser. “They will be wonderful stewards for the collection, and I just know Al is happy that the things that he created will be left for everyone to enjoy.”