The Eiteljorg Museum sits at 500 West Washington Street in White River State Park, a few minutes' walk across the canal from the Indiana State Museum and the zoo, and it is the best single stop in Indianapolis for anyone who cares about the art and cultures of the American West. The collection brings together Native American art and artifacts from across North America with paintings, sculpture and works on paper of the American West, so a single visit moves from ancient pottery and contemporary Native fine art to the cowboy and frontier imagery of the great Western painters. The building itself, with the Clowes sculpture court outside, is part of the draw and photographs well. Beyond the permanent galleries, the museum runs changing exhibitions and a busy calendar of events and markets, so it is worth checking what is on before you plan your day. It is a museum of a size you can enjoy properly in a couple of hours, which makes it an easy companion to the neighbouring attractions rather than an all-day commitment, and it suits adults and older children far better than toddlers.
Hours and admission
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from noon to 5pm. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Adult admission is $20, seniors pay $16, and young people aged 5 to 17 pay $12. Children aged four and under, members, Indiana college and university students, Native Americans with tribal ID and Indiana K-12 teachers with ID are admitted free, and visitors with disabilities pay a reduced rate with companions and aides free.
Active-duty military, veterans, convention badge holders and downtown hotel guests get $5 off general admission, so mention your hotel at the desk.
Getting there and parking
The museum is a ten to fifteen minute walk west of Monument Circle along Washington Street, and it is across the Central Canal from the Indiana State Museum. If you drive, parking in the White River State Park underground garage, entered from Washington Street, is free for museum visitors, which is a rare saving in a downtown location. The museum is also one of the venues covered by the Indianapolis Attractions Pass, so check how many of the pass attractions you plan to see before buying single tickets.
Making the most of it
Start with the Native American galleries, which are the museum's greatest strength, then move to the Western art, and finish in the sculpture court if the weather allows. Visit on a weekday morning for quiet rooms. Because the museum, the State Museum and the zoo are all within a short stroll, a good plan is one museum in the morning, lunch on the canal and the second museum or the zoo after, rather than trying to see everything in a single day.
What to expect
The experience
A compact museum of Native American art and Western art with changing exhibitions, a sculpture court and a calendar of events.
Best time
A weekday morning, when the galleries are quiet, paired with the Indiana State Museum next door.
How long
Around two hours, and longer if a special exhibition or event is on.
Tips
Ask about the $5 hotel-guest discount, park free in the White River State Park garage, and remember Sunday opens at noon.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers, anyone curious about Native American cultures and visitors who enjoy a manageable museum.
- Families
- Better for school-age children and teens than toddlers, and children under five are free.
- Couples
- An unhurried couple of hours in the galleries, then a canal-side walk to lunch.
- Pair with
- The Indiana State Museum across the canal and the Indianapolis Zoo.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
What are the Eiteljorg Museum hours?+
It is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from noon to 5pm. It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
How much does the Eiteljorg Museum cost?+
Adults pay $20, seniors $16 and youth aged 5 to 17 $12. Children aged four and under are free, and downtown hotel guests and veterans get $5 off.
Is parking free at the Eiteljorg Museum?+
Yes, parking in the White River State Park underground garage, entered from Washington Street, is free for museum visitors.
What is in the Eiteljorg Museum?+
The collection covers Native American art and artifacts from across North America and the art of the American West, plus changing exhibitions.
Can I walk to the Eiteljorg from downtown hotels?+
Yes, it is about ten to fifteen minutes on foot west of Monument Circle along Washington Street.
