The Indiana State Museum tells the story of the state from deep time to the present day, and it is the best single place to understand where you are. The building, at 650 West Washington Street on the banks of the Central Canal in White River State Park, is itself a showcase of Indiana materials, faced in local limestone and brick, with a soaring central atrium. Inside, the science and natural history galleries cover the ancient seas, the glaciers and the Ice Age animals that once roamed the region, while the cultural history floors move through Native American life, pioneer settlement, the Civil War, industry and the people and products that made Indiana famous. Temporary exhibitions change through the year, and an IMAX theater on site shows large-format films for a separate fee. The museum is right next to the canal walk, a short stroll from the zoo and the NCAA Hall of Champions, and a ten-minute walk from Monument Circle, so it is easy to fold into a downtown day. It also works well on a cold or wet day.
Hours and closures: the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day but open on several federal holidays, including Veterans Day. A few days a year, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, admission is free without preregistration.
Tickets: single admission is sold by the museum itself, at roughly $23 for adults, a little less for seniors, around $17 for ages 3 to 17 and free for children under three, with college students paying a few dollars with ID and a small saving for buying online. The Tiqets page for the museum sells the Indianapolis Attractions Pass, a three-day pass that also covers the zoo, Newfields, The Children's Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana Historical Society and Conner Prairie. Buy the pass if you plan to visit three or more of those; otherwise a single museum ticket is better value. IMAX films cost extra.
Getting there and parking: walk from downtown along Washington Street or the Central Canal in about ten minutes. If you drive, the museum garage offers a parking validation worth a few dollars when you buy admission, or when you spend a set amount in the store or café. Pair the museum with the zoo, about ten minutes' walk west, or with the Eiteljorg Museum across the canal.
What to expect
The experience
A large history and natural history museum covering Indiana from prehistoric seas to modern times, with changing exhibitions and an IMAX theater.
Best time
A Wednesday or Thursday morning, when it is quieter, and any cold or rainy day in the visit.
How long
Two to three hours for the main galleries, longer with an IMAX film.
Tips
Remember it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and buy the attractions pass only if you will use three or more of its venues.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers, curious first-timers and anyone who wants context for the rest of the trip.
- Families
- Fossils, Ice Age animals and hands-on displays keep children interested, and under-threes are free.
- Couples
- Spend a morning in the galleries, then walk the Central Canal to lunch downtown.
- Pair with
- The Indianapolis Zoo next door, the Eiteljorg Museum across the canal, or a walk to Monument Circle.
- Time needed
- Half a day, or two to three hours.
Good questions
What days is the Indiana State Museum open?+
It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
How much does the Indiana State Museum cost?+
Adult admission is around $23, with lower prices for seniors, youth and college students and free entry for children under three. Buying online saves a little.
What is sold on the Tiqets page for the museum?+
Tiqets sells the Indianapolis Attractions Pass, which includes the museum and several other attractions over three days. For a single visit, the museum's own ticket is the cheaper choice.
Is there parking at the Indiana State Museum?+
Yes, and a parking validation worth a few dollars comes with an admission ticket. You also get it with a set spend in the store or café.
Is the IMAX included with museum admission?+
No, IMAX films are priced separately. You can buy them alongside your museum ticket.
