The Indiana War Memorial dominates the northern end of the War Memorial Plaza, a few blocks north of Monument Circle, and it is one of the most imposing buildings in the Midwest. Built to honor Hoosier veterans of the First World War, the 210-foot limestone building takes its design from the ancient Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, with six columns and six sculpted figures on each side representing courage, memory, peace, victory, liberty and patriotism. It is the centerpiece of the War Memorial Plaza National Historic District and now honors Hoosier service members from the Revolutionary War onward. Inside is a three-floor museum covering Indiana's military history, with more than 400 battle flags, over 300 of them from the Civil War, the Eli Lilly Civil War Exhibition, thousands of weapons, uniforms, medals and vehicles, an AH-1 Cobra helicopter and a Desert Storm Humvee. A highlight is the USS Indianapolis exhibit, which holds the Congressional Gold Medal and a battle control center, telling the story of the cruiser named for the city. The solemn Shrine Room, dedicated on Armistice Day in 1933 and built with materials from all the Allied nations of the First World War, houses the Garrison Flag.
Hours and admission
The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm and the entrance is at 55 East Michigan Street. Adults aged 19 to 59 pay about $10, seniors aged 60 and over and children aged 5 to 18 about $5, and children under five, military personnel and veterans are free. Monday and Tuesday are not opening days, so plan around that. Some work has taken place in the Shrine Room, so check the memorial's website for what is open on your date.
Getting there
The memorial is a ten-minute walk north of Monument Circle along Meridian Street, and the plaza around it, with its fountains and obelisk, is a fine place to walk in any season. It is also on the route of the guided downtown walking tour, which passes the outside of the building. Parking is available in downtown garages and on the street nearby, and most downtown hotels are within a short walk.
Making the most of it
Allow ninety minutes to two hours, and start at the top floor to work back through the periods in order. The USS Indianapolis exhibit is the emotional centerpiece and worth leaving time for. Combine the visit with the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and its Civil War museum on the Circle, since the same agency runs both and the two together give a full picture of how Indiana remembers its wars.
What to expect
The experience
A grand memorial building with a three-floor museum of flags, uniforms, weapons and vehicles, plus a solemn Shrine Room.
Best time
A weekday morning from Wednesday to Friday, when it is quietest.
How long
Ninety minutes to two hours.
Tips
It is closed Monday and Tuesday, so check the days, and leave time for the USS Indianapolis exhibit.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History buffs, veterans and families, and anyone who likes monumental architecture.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the helicopter and vehicles, and under-fives go free.
- Couples
- A thoughtful morning, then lunch on Mass Ave or around the Circle.
- Pair with
- Monument Circle and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a short walk south.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
When is the Indiana War Memorial open?+
The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm. It is not open on Monday or Tuesday.
How much does the Indiana War Memorial cost?+
Adults pay about $10 and seniors and children aged 5 to 18 about $5. Children under five, military personnel and veterans are free.
What is the USS Indianapolis exhibit?+
It tells the story of the cruiser named for the city and holds the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to its crew, along with a battle control center.
Is the War Memorial near Monument Circle?+
Yes, it is about ten minutes on foot north of the Circle along Meridian Street, on the War Memorial Plaza.
What is the Shrine Room?+
It is a solemn space dedicated on Armistice Day in 1933, built with materials from the Allied nations of the First World War, and it houses the Garrison Flag.
