Museums and galleries in Indianapolis

Museums and galleries in Indianapolis

1. See

   Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

   Conner Prairie Living History Museum

   Settled in the 1880s, Conner Prairie is an Indiana tradition for those interested in learning about Indiana living "back in the day." With volunteers dressed in period-costume year round you are able to experience every aspect of the way of life—from blacksmithing to cooking, games and schooling, farming and church. Start at the modern museum learning about the science and anthropological history, then head to the living history museum featuring authentic buildings from the 1880s. Take a flight on 1859 Balloon Voyage, visit Dupont, IN circa 1863 and experience Morgan's Raid, or visit the brand new (for 2017) Treetop Outpost. Special exhibits come and go, such as Native American regional language sponsored by History Channel. In the summer the grounds feature Symphony on the Prairie where one can picnic in the evening and enjoy live classical and pops performances. Halloween features haunted hay rides featuring the Headless Horseman and the holiday season includes dinners, candlelight tours and other celebrations. Restaurants on hand and a gift shop too.

   Nov-Mar: Tue–Sun 10AM–3PM, Mar–Oct: Tue–Sun 10AM–5PM·Adult $25, senior (65+) $23, youth (2–12) $19, member or child under age 2 free; balloon prices: member $14, non-member $18; free parking

2. See

   Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis

   CAMi

   This is the city's first contemporary art museum in several years, since the 2020 closure of iMOCA. This is more than a single museum, with an experimental artist space, a garden, an amphitheater, and housing for visiting artists.

   Mon Tue closed, Wed–Fri 11AM to 7PM, Sat Sun 11AM to 5PM, First Fri of the Month 11AM–10PM·Free (some special events may have ticket prices)

3. See

   Crispus Attucks Museum

   Located inside of Crispus Attucks school, this museum celebrates Indy's African American heritage with art galleries, school history, and student achievement. Although not as famous as the communities in Chicago or Detroit, Indianapolis has a rich black heritage from the Great Migration of the late 19th century with a quarter of the population African American.

   Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM, weekends by appointment·$8, $5 students under the age of 17 and seniors, $3 group rate

4. See

   Eiteljorg Museum

   The museum is the only one of its kind in the Midwest. Featuring western art by T. C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and Kay Walkingstick. The museum also focuses on Native American history featuring artifacts, art, and history about this nation's first people. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant, too. The museum also hosts occasional lectures, plays, and music. Located within White River State Park, check into a park pass for admission to all seven of the park's attractions.

   Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5 PM·Adult $20, senior $16, youth $12

5. See

   Harrison Center for the Arts

   Gallery, art center, and conservatory. Check out four art galleries, 36 personal studios, VSA Arts, and the beautiful Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Punk and ska bands play in the basement on weekends and on First Fridays they open their doors to good sized crowds of local art lovers who wander the halls drinking, eating, and checking out art and music. Great place to check out local art and local people in a family-friendly environment.

   Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM, open on first Fridays until 9PM·Free

6. See

   Herron School of Art & Design Galleries

   On the IU Indy campus, this is the home to Indy's biggest art school. Check out students' studios, three galleries with regional and national art, and an outdoor sculpture gallery. Student art adorns the walls and lawn. You may see an early piece by the voice of the next generation.

   Mon Tue Thu Fri 10AM–5PM, Wed 10AM–8PM·Free, parking at the garage is validated at some shows

7. See

   Indiana Medical History Museum

   Situated on the grounds of the now-closed Central State Hospital, a former mental health facility that provided care to Hoosiers for many years, in the former histology building. Included in the National Register of Historic Places, it is the nation's oldest pathological building. The museum provides a tour that features preserved medical specimens, antique medical equipment, and other exhibits.

   Feb–Nov: Thu–Sat 10AM–3PM with tours on the hour; Dec–Jan: Sat only·College $7, senior $9, adult $10

8. See

   Indiana State Museum

   One of the most exquisite residences in the nation is the new state museum. Discover Indiana's history, from dinosaurs and fossil discoveries to the American Civil War, World War II, and the present. Discover a hall honoring well-known Hoosiers, take advantage of the IMAX theater and special events, and stroll about White River State Park's grounds to see the sculpture garden honoring Indiana's counties. A must-watch. The little gift shop offers plush toys, gourmet beverages, unusual candies, and trinkets with Indiana themes. With its seasonal menus and freshly made soups, salads, and sandwiches, the Farmers Market Café offers a menu that pays homage to Indiana's past as a supplier of local, fresh produce. The famed chicken velvet soup is served at the historic L.S. Ayres Tea Room.

   Sun-Wed 10AM-5PM·Adult $19, senior (60+) $17, youth $13, child under 3 free

9. See

   Indiana War Memorial & Museum

   This pillared structure has a war museum, an elaborate auditorium, and a shrine honoring World War I troops who lost their lives.

   Wed-Sun 9AM-5PM·Admission to the museum is free

10. See

    Indianapolis Art Center

    Formed in 1934, it continues to be one of the Midwest's premier community art centers. Check out one of the many local art exhibits, take an affordable art class, relax and read a book in the beautiful library, shop at the art gallery gift shop and don't pass up the amazing ARTSPARK located around the White River and the natural grounds. ARTSPARK has interactive sculptures laid out through the 12 acres (5 ha) designed by Michael Graves, a Hoosier native known throughout the world for his architecture and design work. Each summer you can check out the fun Broad Ripple Arts Fair, which features arts and crafts, food and booze, and live music galore on the grounds.

    Mon–Fri 9AM–10PM, Sat 9AM–6PM Sun noon–6PM·Free

11. See

    Indianapolis Fire Fighters Museum

    Discover the origins and background of Indianapolis' fire department, as well as view the historic hand pumper, horse-drawn fire cart, horse-drawn steam pumper, and other items. Don't forget to pay a visit to the Indianapolis Firefighters Memorial.

    Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM, Sat from Apr-Oct: 11AM-4 PM·Free

12. Do

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    It is Indy's pride and joy sporting landmark. Several motor races take place here, most notably the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and Indycar Grand Prix. Check out the museum, or a race depending on your visit. Ticket prices aren't cheap to the main affairs, but just attending one of the many practices or qualifications during the racing season (May–Sep) is well worth the experience. A must-see when visiting Indy, for race lovers or not.

13. See

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

    The IMA is the home of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500. On the IMS grounds you will find the Museum which houses the world's largest collection of racing, classic, and antique cars. Check out 30 of the Indy 500 winner's cars, a 20-minute film about the history of the race, a souvenir shop and cafe. If you would like to see more of the track facilities, you also can pay a few bucks to ride in a bus around the actual race track (at about 40 miles or 65 km an hour). Or, for the more adventurous souls, you can try the Indy Racing Experience Driving Program where you can ride in a 2-seater Indy Car and experience speeds around the track up to 180 miles or 300 km an hour.

    Mar–Oct: 9AM–5PM daily; Nov–Feb: 10AM–4PM daily·$10 adult, $5 child, 5 and under free

14. See

    Indianapolis Zoo

    Home to the Dolphin Adventures Gallery and Dome. The underwater dolphin viewing dome is the first of its kind (and free with admission). The "Oceans" exhibit features a shark touch tank. Other areas include the Plains, the Forest, the Desert, botanical insects, and a petting zoo. Check out different animal talks throughout the day. There are opportunities to feed and ride some animals for an extra charge. Amusement rides such as the small roller coaster, carousel and train are extra, too. Zoo grounds are a non-smoking environment. Hours vary depending on the time of the year, please visit the website for details. The Zoo also incorporates White River State Park, with over of gardens and pathways along the White River and the Hilbert Conservatory, which is the showplace for different flowers, plants, and special attractions (such as butterflies) throughout the year.

    Wed-Sun 9AM-4PM·Child $11.75, senior/military $13.75, adult $15.75

15. See

    Indy's Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum

    Tiny museum for a large and distant subject. Hundreds of exhibits. Or dozens, anyway. Ask at the adjacent hardware store for admission and five minute tour, and stay for more careful study.

    $.50

16. See

    James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home & Visitor Center

    See the house where the renowned writer and poet spent the latter part of his life. "The Children's Poet" is how Riley is recognized. One of the best maintained Victorian homes in the nation, the house has been featured in Architectural Digest. The house has never undergone renovations; every piece of furniture, up to the carpet, is original and dates back to 1916. See his possessions, collection of antiques, and background by taking a tour.

    Thu-Sat by reservation only, Sun-Wed closed·Adult $10, student #1, children 6 and under free

17. Do

    Kuaba Gallery

    Kuaba promotes modern African art. A portion of every sale goes to a non-for-profit that helps African orphans.

18. See

    Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library

    A museum dedicated to literary and cultural contributions of author and Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut.

    Wed–Mon 10AM to 6PM (closed Tue)·Adults $12, seniors/educators/military $10, students $8. Free on first M of each month

19. Do

    Murphy Art Center

    23 artists have galleries at this Fountain Square studio building. First Friday includes an open house. Some of Indy's most bright shining stars have galleries here, and it's a great place to buy affordable great art.

20. See

    Newfields

    Indianapolis Museum of Art

    Reopened following a multi-million dollar renovation it's one of the most beautiful buildings in the country for fine art. Founded in 1883, this is one of the oldest art museums in the country, boasting over 50,000 pieces of art and an amazing public art library. Exhibits include Contemporary Art, European Art, Asian Art, African Art, Textile Art, and more. Rotating and traveling exhibits are abundant. Experience hands-on exhibits where you can create your own art, walk the amazing grounds exploring the sculptures, gardens, and homes, shop at the museum store and eat and drink at the IMA Cafe and Wolfgang Puck's namesake restaurant—this is the city he got his start in. On Thursdays and Fridays 5–9PM, the museum has a special "happy hour" for hip and artsy socialites at Puck's featuring cocktails and hor'dourves.

    Tue Wed Fri Sat 11AM–5PM, Thu 11AM–9PM, Sun noon–5PM·Adult $20, child 5 & under free, youth 6-17 $13, Access Pass $2 (certain areas of the IMA campus are free, including the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres, the IMA Café, Museum Store, and Five Brushstrokes)

21. See

    Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens

    An amazing home located on the grounds of Newfields art museum. This is the former estate of the Lillys. Located on grounds with a 22-room mansion, gardens, and museum. Check out country estate living in the 1930s, and explore the beautiful home and antiques that the family acquired. The gardens are spectacular and feature many pathways and fountains. Be sure to also check out the garden shop where you can purchase plants grown on the grounds.

    Tue-Sun 11AM-4PM (closed Mon)·Free

22. See

    Soldiers & Sailor's Monument

    This is the well-known monument in the center of the city. It is only fifteen feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty, having been built in 1902. The monument's sculpted depictions of gory Civil War fights and emancipated slaves are powerful. With Miss Liberty facing south, she defends the north from the confederate. The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War museum is located in the basement, and visitors can ride the tower to the top for a view of the city. The grounds on the Monument are a wonderful representation of the city itself; they combine the calm of quietly roaring water and verdant grass with the energy of Downtown. It's also a great place to people watch. Additionally, there's a tiny gift shop. William Henry Harrison, the first Governor of the Indiana Territory and the United States President for a single month, is depicted on a statue at the base. The south steps are closed for renovation until November 2025, costing $10 million.

    Thu-Sun 10:30AM-5:30PM·Fees for elevator: adults $3.00, elderly (65 and over): free, youngsters (12 and under): no charge. Free for US military personnel and veterans. There is no fee to walk the steps. During business hours, elevator tickets are available for purchase at the Monument Gift Shop

23. Eat

    St. Elmo Steak House

    Downtown in Indy since 1902, the restaurant has gone through some changes, but the biggest asset is the main room. Make reservations to dine in the main room/entry room/bar. This is the original restaurant, the walls are covered with celebrity photos including more car racing stars than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's museum, artwork and memorabilia from the opening to present. Their shrimp cocktail features giant prawns and is the best in the city. The wooden bar is beautiful and the prep-chef sits in the window, serving up shrimp cocktails and preparing seafood and steaks for your viewing.

24. See

    The American Legion National Headquarters

    Situated in the heart of downtown Indy with a beautiful mall that reminds one of D.C. Check out the museum that features hundreds of World War I & II posters and artifacts, a diorama of Jessica Lynch's rescue, explore the grounds and learn about the Legion's history.

    Mon–Fri 8AM–4:30PM·Freeor paid parking

25. Do

    The Cabaret

    ACT is a cabaret-style theater that serves food and cocktails during the show. Many of the shows feature song/dance/acting routines with upbeat and fun-filled performances, featuring classics and new works. A 2026 grant will introduce an outdoor public performance plaza, a museum, and listening room. $20–25. All ages.

26. See

    The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

    This museum is the largest children's museum in the world. In March 2006, it unveiled artist Dale Chihuly's largest blown glass exhibit, Fireworks of Glass—a glass sculpture that rises 43 feet (13 meters) tall. Children (and adults alike) can dig for "dinosaur fossils", catch a planetarium show, view the miniature trains and ride the carousel. The museum has huge holdings that are constantly rotating, so be sure to check out the temporary exhibits as well. Even if you've been before, there will be something new the second time around. The museum is fun for children of all ages. Grounds include restaurants and a wonderful gift shop.

    Tue–Sun 10AM–5PM·Adult $26, youth $21, senior (60+) $24.50

27. See

    The Stutz Artists Association

    Stutz Gallery

    Built in 1918 as the home of the Stutz automobile, it houses numerous local artists, businesses and meeting spaces. Check out the "show room" featuring a collection of Stutz cars (Elvis drove a Stutz, ya know) and have a bite to eat at Bearcats.

28. Do

    White River State Park

    Home to the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens, Victory Field, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, IMAX Theater, and NCAA Hall of Champions. It also has The Lawn near the river, which is host to concerts during each summer. Central Canal is also located within the park. Park passes are available for purchase, entrance to all 7 of the main attractions is included in the pass.

    Free and paid parking

29. Buy Not mapped

    The Fashion Mall

    This is the mall to see and be seen. The ritz and the wanna-be's shop at this classic Indy mall. Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue are the anchor stores. Other shops include Crate & Barrel, Tiffany & Co, MAC (Cosmetics), Sephora, Coach, Sony, Apple, William & Sonoma, a Tesla Motors gallery and more. They also have a huge variety of locally owned boutique shops too. Locals often declare this mall has the worst food court in the city, so grab a bite before/after you leave.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Indianapolis (CC BY-SA 4.0).