Museums are the cultural hubs of Indianapolis. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the Circle City or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 15 museums to visit in our city.
History
Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St. | $5-15
Explore the Hoosier State’s history + look into your own family’s roots in the “Genealogy Across Indiana” department.
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. | $5-17
This Hoosier haven delves into topical social issues as well as art, science, and history. Plus, if you’re looking to take a mini road trip, we recommend traveling to one of the museum’s historic sites around the state.
Don’t miss: Look for little sculptures on the exterior walls of the building to learn even more about Indiana.
Indiana War Memorial and Museum, 55 E. Michigan St. | Free, donations accepted
Survey the contributions + sacrifices of Hoosier service men and women from present day all the way back to the Revolutionary War.
Indiana Medical History Museum, 3270 Kirkbride Way | $5-10
Walk through the teaching amphitheater, labs, and an autopsy room to learn more about the medical field. The heart of the building is the oldest surviving pathology facility in the country.
Hook’s Historic Drug Store Museum, 1202 E. 38th St. | Free with fair admission
Browse one of the largest collections of drug store artifacts in the nation and sit at the soda fountain with an ice cream soda or phosphate.
Pro tip: This niche museum is usually only open during the State Fair, but you can make a group tour appointment or book it for a special event.
Arts
Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd. | $13-20
From 40,000 years of human figures in art to its collection of works by local art collective “The Eighteen,” there’s something for everyone at this art museum.
Don’t forget about the sprawling garden grounds, which are perfect for a serene walk in warmer months. During the fall and winter seasons, you can find them decked out for special nighttime events that require separate admission.
Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St. | $10-18
Walk through Native American art + history from the past to the present. Don’t forget to hit the renovated “Expressions of Life” exhibit.
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, 543 Indiana Ave. | $8-12
Whether you’re a fan of the Hoosier author or just love supporting literacy, the library + museum offers a number of resources on “Uncle Kurt” and his legacy. Pro tip: Admission is free the first Monday of every month.
The Great American Songbook Foundation, 1 Carter Green, Carmel | Free
Learn about featured artists from Louis Armstrong and Cole Porter to Taylor Swift and Lizzo, see famous instruments, and engage with interactive touchscreens to experience centuries worth of music.
The Ray Bradbury Museum, 425 University Blvd., Cavanaugh Hall, Room 121 | Free
Check out one of the largest single author collections in the world, complete with a recreation of Bradbury’s office that contains 100,000+ pages of published and unpublished literary works. Pro tip: You must make a reservation to visit.
Kids
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St. | Prices fluctuate based on date, but range from $20-30
This is the largest children’s museum in the world. Whether you’re looking to learn more about dinosaurs, Minecraft, sports, or just want to ride the carousel, it has it all.
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers | $18-24
“Step into the story” at this living history museum, known for its reenactors, hot air balloons, axe-throwing, and petting zoo.
Sports
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, 4750 W. 16th St. | $2-15
Enjoy a guided tour with a skilled host + listen to stories about the historic site while looking at automobiles and artifacts spanning more than a century.
NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St. | $3-5
Stop by this two-level museum full of interactive exhibits to learn what it takes to “make the grade” in the NCAA. Don’t miss: There’s a ski simulator and a 1930s retro gym you won’t want to leave without seeing.
This is just one glance at the plethora of miniatures the Carmel museum has to offer.
Photo via @the.mini.museum
Special Interest
Museum of Miniature Houses, 111 E. Main St., Carmel | $5-10
The bird’s eye view of this museum includes room boxes, thousands of miniatures, and an inspiration room. Pro tip: This is a kid-friendly spot that offers scavenger hunts, a fairy door for wishes, and a dollhouse for them to play with.
Indy’s Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum, 2907 E. 10th St. | $0.50
Grab a couple of quarters + head to this micro-museum on the near east side to see more than 1,000 little statues of Lady Liberty.
AFCA Antique Fan Museum, 10983 Bennett Pkwy., Zionsville | Price varies by group size
Are you a fan fanatic? Since 1997, the Antique Fan Collectors Association has operated this museum with more than 2,000 antique ceiling + desk fans.
Indianapolis Firefighters Museum, 748 Mass Ave. | Free, donations accepted
Take a look at a Stutz ladder truck from the 1920s, memorabilia, photos, and other equipment at this Mass Ave. museum.
The Stutz Car Museum, 1060 N. Capitol Ave. | Free
This boutique museum showcases rare classic cars like the Stutz Bearcat and Black Hawk alongside Indianapolis automotive history. While you’re here, swing by Julieta Taco Shop or Café Patachou for a bite to eat.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
