The special exhibition area does not always require reservations
The museum is decorated in black, and by shining a spotlight on the cars on display, visitors can appreciate the beauty of the form of F1 cars and their engines. Because there is no excess light, the shadows are vivid and it is easy to take clear photos of functional beauty, even with a smartphone.
Also, the permanent exhibition area on the ground floor has a 30-minute changeover system (admission capacity of 100 people), so visitors are less likely to stand in the background of the machines and create noise, making it easier for visitors to take their time viewing and photographing the cars, which is also a new feature (instead, the exhibition area on the first floor is open only during the F1 season). (Instead, on certain days, such as during the F1 season, booking is required to enter the permanent exhibition area on the first floor).
Incidentally, the theme of the permanent exhibition area on the first floor is “Honda F1: A Genealogy of Victory”. Starting with the Honda RA272 that won the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix in the center of the main hall, through the Williams Honda FW11B, the McLaren Honda MP4/5, and the Red Bull Racing Honda RB16B that Max Verstappen won the drivers’ championship in 2021. RB16B, to the iconic Honda F1 cars of the 1960s, 1980s, 1990s, and post-2000.
It is also interesting to note that on the backs of these cars, large panels display the numbers that symbolize each car, allowing visitors to enjoy the story of their victory from that number. During the three days of the Japanese Grand Prix (except during the race running time), the exhibition was packed with people, with reservations made in advance and there was even a waiting list.
On the other hand, the first basement floor is a special exhibition area. Reservations are not required at all times here and there is no specific admission capacity.
Until mid-June, the theme of the exhibition is “Honda F1 Japanese drivers”, focusing on the Japanese F1 drivers who fought with Honda. In the exhibition area, there were three brave cars: the Lotus Honda 100T, the Super Aguri Honda SA07, and the Scuderia Alfatauri Honda AT02. From summer onwards, there are plans to display racing machines from the SUPER GT, All-Japan Super Formula Championship, and Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. If you visit Suzuka Circuit to watch a race or for leisure, this is a must-stop spot.
translated by DeepL
