D.C.’s IndyCar Race to Speed Past Smithsonian Museums Sparks Art‑Preservation Concerns

The upcoming IndyCar event on the National Mall will see high‑speed race cars whizzing past the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of Natural History. While city officials tout the race as a boost to tourism and a showcase of the capital’s vibrancy, museum curators and preservationists warn that the roar of engines, vibrations, and increased foot traffic could damage delicate artifacts and artworks. The National Park Service has pledged to monitor vibration levels and install temporary barriers, but critics argue that the long‑term risk to priceless collections outweighs the short‑term economic benefits.