The £20million ‘Silverstone Experience’ finally opened its doors at the start of last year with Lewis Hamilton and Prince Harry cutting the ribbon. However, just weeks after opening the display was slammed shut, before reopening this summer under its new ‘Interactive Museum’ moniker.
The attention to detail is spot on and perfect for history buffs. There are original tickets, race programmes and trophies on display alongside some original race cars from the era.
Next, we are treated to an in-depth look at how Silverstone operates on a race day and how far safety has come in the modern era.
There isn’t much new here for even the most basic of enthusiasts but its interactivity makes this fun for youngsters.
They can try their hand at commentating a previous Grand Prix or feel the weight of a wheel gun used during a pit stop.
The main hall is littered with the Museum’s prized possessions: Nigel Mansell’s famous ‘Red 5’ Williams FW14B, a 2020 liveried Racing Point Formula 1 car, Barry Sheene’s title-winning Yamaha YZF 750R and Lewis Hamilton’s race suit.
Also included are Tim Harvey’s iconic BMW M3 BTCC car and the helmet worn by Lando Norris in last year’s British Grand Prix, designed by six-year-old fan Eva.
But it’s the museum’s main interactive hub where things really come alive.
Silverstone’s ambition was to inspire further generations of engineers and scientists and this has certainly been achieved through their Tech Lab.
Youngsters can get to grips with basic engineering principles and try their hand at perfecting setups through an interactive platform.
Visitors can also get their hands on different engines and gearboxes and feel the difference between race and road tyres.
One of the most impressive features is a braking tool which demonstrates the pedal power needed to stop a race car versus an ordinary road vehicle.
The tour ends in a cinema room where visitors can enjoy an interactive cartoon lap of the Silverstone circuit which celebrates iconic racing moments through the years.
Although spectacular for youngsters to feel part of the circuit’s history, it was a bit of a let down for petrolheads who will expect a bit more.
I would have liked to have seen some real footage weaved in instead of a CGI film but it does a good job of getting beginners more aware of the circuit’s history.
An added bonus is the circuit’s Track Trail which allows you to walk on the old parts of the circuit no longer used for racing.
This is a bonus on a race day as visitors also get access to the viewing area on the outside of Luffield corner for no extra cost.
Watching British GT and F3 cars was certainly a bonus and definitely added to the overall experience of the day.
However, this area is closed for major events such as the F1, MotoGP, Silverstone Classic and BTCC meetings.
The only other gripe was the catering. We visited on a regular Saturday in June and were left waiting for 20 minutes to receive our order.
With no other eateries nearby, visitors will just have to accept it or make sure to bring their own food instead.
Priced at just £20 for adults and £12 for children, the Interactive Museum is a great day out for families to enjoy.
For petrolheads, the museum offers a chance to get up close and personal to some of the greatest race and road cars ever built.
Although the headline interactive elements are mostly aimed at kids, there are some hidden gems here for all to enjoy.
No matter what your knowledge background, visitors learn something new and will be sure to have fun in the process.