Location: Indianapolis
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10 Specialty Museums in Indianapolis That You Shouldn't Miss
High-speed, history and good old Hoosier hospitality are a few reasons to put Indianapolis on your list of great getaways. Sports is another. From the legendary Indianapolis 500 to the Pacers and the Colts, the city offers ample opportunities to view professional and amateur sporting events, take part in athletic events and visit sports museums. At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall Of Fame Museum you can tour the famous track (try to reserve tickets if there is a race in town) or visit the museum dedicated to automobiles and auto racing. Other sporty museums include the NCAA Hall of Champions. To get in on some of the action, head to SportZone which features six acres of indoor athletic facilities the whole family will enjoy. Those less interested in sports, or with kids in tow, can still find tons to do in and around the city. History, art and other cultural attractions abound. Visit the Children's Museum or checkout the zoo. Stroll along cobblestone streets past 19th-century buildings in the Lockerbie Square District or visit any number of historic landmarks. Known as the "Crossroads of America," more interstate highways bisect Indianapolis than any other city in the country, making it an exciting and easily accessible destination.
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1. The National Art Museum of Sport
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The nation's largest collection of sport related art hangs in the lobbies and corridors of University Place on the campus of Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis.
2. Indianapolis Firefighters Museum
3. Indy's Teeny Statue Of Liberty Museum
4. Museum Of 20th Century Warfare
5. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,796 reviews
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum presents the stories of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the history of the automotive industry in Indiana, and has vehicles and race trophies and memorabilia from race events around the world. It houses one of the most important collections of racing vehicles and memorabilia in the world.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
I have visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway only once before. I had a seat on the fourth turn, looking down the front stretch to the finish line, and saw Jimmy Clark win the Indianapolis 500 in 1965. The race was significant because it was run without a single accident, not a single yellow flag, only checkered. What amazed me most of all was how swiftly and efficiently all 250,000 spectators were moved in and out of the giant track. I didn't have an opportunity to visit the museum on that occasion. But I made a point of touring the facility on our recent visit to Indianapolis. Located within the famed 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval in suburban Speedway, Indiana, the 37,000-square-foot museum houses one of the world's premier collections of automotive and motor racing vehicles and artifacts. It is linked to the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 but also includes exhibits reflecting other forms of motorsports, passenger cars and general automotive history. It also is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. The original museum was established in 1956. This museum opened in 1976. It features 30 Indianapolis 500 winning cars, pace cars, the Borg-Warner Trophy and other trophies and plaques, racing paraphernalia such as helmets, gloves and driver's suits, model cars, photographs, toys and paintings. Displays include highlights of the history of the Speedway's ownership, evolution of the track and other memorabilia. Take a bus tour of the track, a lap around the oval and do what the Indianapolis 500 winners do, kiss the 1909-vintage paving bricks at the finish line. Stroll through Gasoline Alley. Also see a short film of the history of the Indianapolis 500 in the Tony Hulman Theatre. See the 1911 Marmon Wasp, the first Indianapolis 500 winner driven by Ray Harroun, all four of A.J. Foyt's winning cars, the 1965 Spirit of America that set a world land speed record, the 1931 Cummins Diesel driven by Dave Evans, the first car to complete the Indianapolis 500 without a pit stop, the 1977 Bryant Heating & Cooling Lightning/Offy driven by Janet Guthrie, the first female to qualify for the 500 and the 1965 Le Mans winning Ferrari 250 LM. Also see the picture wall featuring the drivers and cars of all Indianapolis 500 winners. Finally, visit the Auto Racing Hall of Fame, which dates to 1952 and highlights 155 inductees from Ray Harroun to Barney Oldfield to Eddie Rickenbacker to Mauri Rose to Fireball Roberts to A.J. Foyt to Mario Andretti to Al and Bobby Unser to Parnelli Jones to Roger Penske. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
6. Indianapolis Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,446 reviews
With a collection of more than 54,000 works of art, an early-20th-century estate, 152 acres of gardens and grounds, including an outdoor art and nature park, the IMA campus offers experiences that feed both the heart and mind.
Reviewed By 732lancel - Denver, United States
IMA has an excellent and very large collection. I focused on the contemporary and modern collection and was very impressed. What is exceptional about IMA, is that in addition to the main complex, the museum is situated on 100 acres of park, including sculpture gardens, AND the Lilly country home, with extensive formal and informal gardens. What a treat!!!!!
7. The Eiteljorg Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 843 reviews
The museum houses Indian artifacts, as well as works by famous Western artists.
Reviewed By juliev593 - Auburn, United States
First of all, we were happy to park so close in the underground parking garage, and it was even better that they validated the parking ticket ay the museum entrance so we didn't have to pay. We expected to see Remingtons and Russels, which we did, but there was so much more. We loved the huge Grand Canyon murals and finding a hidden treasure around every corner. We spent about 3 hours there, which included a visit to the cafe (food was good and generously portioned). We happened to catch the Jingle Rails exhibit and it was outstanding. The galleries would be less interesting for younger children, but for anyone interested in the American West or history, there is a lot to see and explore.
8. Indiana Medical History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
The museum represents the beginning of scientific psychiatry and modern medicine while the building itself is the oldest surviving pathology facility in the nation and is on the National Register of Historic Places.The museum is open to the public Wed-Sat from 10am to 4pm. Tours take place every half hour, with the last tour beginning at 3pm. Groups of 7 or more may be scheduled in advance for Wednesday or for regular operating hours.Admission: Adults $10, University Students $7, Children under 18 $3.
Reviewed By TJohnC
Fascinating place with a wonderful guide to enhance the visit. A powerful learning experience about the development of organized medicine in Indiana. Great displays and fascinating information. The Docent was at the top of her form and offered a great insight to the many cases and rooms. A MUST DO!
9. Indiana State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Take a journey through Indiana's history, from the age of mastodons and mammoths to 21st century science, art and culture. Families can enjoy hands-on science in our Naturalist's Lab, wind their way through cave replicas in "Frozen Reign," learn real stories about historic Hoosiers in our cultural galleries, and more. The museum features two floors of permanent experiences and one floor of changing galleries. The Indiana State Museum is part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, a statewide museum system with 12 locations.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
I'm a history buff so it follows that my wife and I always make it a point to visit the history and art museums in all of the major cities that we visit from coast to coast to accumulate knowledge about the people and the area. In Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum, which was founded in 1869, offers more than 40,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 500,000 artifacts that cover the history of the natural world, Native Americans, cultural history and the future of Indiana. There are exhibits on the science, art, culture and history of the state from prehistoric times to the present day. It also is the site of the state's largest IMAX screen. Located at 650 West Washington Street, on the Indiana Central Canal within the White River State Park, this magnificent, glass-enclosed $105 million structure opened in 2002. Start with the "Back Home Again" steam clock outside the front entrance. Learn that Indiana is more than basketball and the Indianapolis 500. The journey begins with mastodons and Native Americans and continues with early settlements, farming, schooling and manufacturing. Meet inventors, statesmen, businessmen and other famous Hoosiers, all profiled in the American Originals exhibit. Also view the exhibits that highlight Indiana, including the 19th State, The Hoosier Way, the Crossroads of America, Enterprise Indiana and Global Indiana.
10. Rhythm! Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
The Rhythm! Discovery Center is the world's foremost interactive drum and percussion museum providing innovative programs; interactive, standards-based educational exhibits and artist performances. Drawing upon cultures from around the world, the Center offers a unique, engaging experience to explore the universality of rhythm and percussion and its role in shaping communication, music, art, performance and society. Walking through the visually captivating exhibit rooms and performance venue, guests are invited to fulfill their dreams of being a percussionist.
Reviewed By oakleaf-delphi - Delphi, United States
What a unique museum, a museum that is dedicated to percussion instruments. The displays are most informative and attractive. Some percussion instruments are display only but there is a variety of hands-on experiences with actual instruments and not just drums, but, for example, chimes and marimba. The museum features sound controlled booths for playing their drum sets with the ability to vary the sound. Plus there are displays of drum sets that belonged to famous drummers. You can enhance your learning and stretch your imagination right in the heart of downtown Indy. I suggest parking at Circle Center Mall parking garage.
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