Downtown Living: Museums

Downtown Indianapolis is a hub for museums, each offering a unique perspective on history, culture, and art. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best museums in downtown Indy! 

• Indiana State Museum:

The Indiana State Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Indiana, with exhibits covering topics like geology, natural history, and the state's role in the Civil War. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and hands-on displays that highlight science, technology, and art.

• Indiana Historical Society:

The Indiana Historical Society features exhibits that showcase the state's history, including its early settlers, famous Hoosiers, traveling exhibits and hosts concerts on the canal. The museum also has a research library and archive for visitors to explore.

• Indiana State Library

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis serves as a vital resource for genealogy, research, education, and lifelong learning. With a collection of over 2.5 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, photographs, and digital resources, the library offers access to Indiana's rich history and culture. 

• NCAA Museum:

The NCAA Museum celebrates college sports and the athletes who participate in them. The museum features interactive exhibits and memorabilia from college sports programs across the country. Visitors can test their skills in a variety of sports activities and learn about the history and traditions of college athletics.

• Indiana Soldier and Sailors Monument

The Statue of Victory, located in downtown Indianapolis, is an iconic monument that stands only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. This stunning sculpture depicts the Greek goddess of Victory, Nike, holding a sword and a torch, symbolizing triumph and enlightenment. The monument has an enclosed observation deck, providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surrounding areas. Additionally, visitors can explore the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum located in the lower level of the monument, which offers a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the role of Indiana during the Civil War. The museum also provides an opportunity for visitors to delve into the personal experiences of soldiers and civilians during this tumultuous period in American history. 

• World War Memorial and Museum:

The World War Memorial and Museum is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of Indiana's veterans. It  features exhibits that highlight the state's involvement in major conflicts, including World War I and II. Visitors can also explore the beautiful memorial plaza and pay their respects to those who served.

• Etiljorg Museum

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art houses an extensive collection of visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas as well as Western American paintings and sculptures collected by businessman and philanthropist Harrison Eiteljorg (1903–1997). The museum houses one of the finest collections of Native contemporary art in the world. 

• Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the world's largest children's museum and welcomes over a million visitors each year. The museum boasts five floors of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational displays that cater to children of all ages. Its exhibits cover a range of topics, including science, technology, history, and culture, and encourage children to learn through play and exploration. Some of the museum's most popular exhibits include a Dinosphere, a planetarium, a carousel, and an exhibit dedicated to the history and culture of the Native American peoples. With its engaging and educational exhibits, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a must-visit destination for families and children interested in learning and having fun.

9. Presidential Site of Benjamin Harrison

Take a tour of this beautiful 10,000 sq.ft. Italianate Victorian family home of President Benjamin Harrison – our country’s 23rd US President (1889-1893) and Indiana’s only President. Built in 1875, the home is beautifully furnished with many of Harrison’s paintings, furniture, and other artifacts including political memorabilia. There are rotating Special Exhibit spaces also.

Get ready to be amazed, inspired, and entertained in Indianapolis! With a wealth of world-class museums and interactive exhibits, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. With so much to see and do, be sure to add Indianapolis' museums to your must-visit list and experience the excitement and wonder for yourself!

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