Indiana State Museum
Indiana State Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Downtown Indianapolis
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4.5
534 reviews
Excellent
272
Very good
197
Average
55
Poor
9
Terrible
1
mfrantisak
8 contributions
Feb 2020
Museum staff were readily available to assist visitors. All we encountered seemed very knowledgeable about the museum. Could have spent many more hours than we did. Planned to come back again....soon!
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
Reedsburg, WI718 contributions
Aug 2021
It is rare that a museum like this has so many interactive elements. This really helps our son engage in the exhibits and he really got into everything this museum offered. Actually this location might have been the highlight of his trip.
We were here on a Friday and were surprised that only about a dozen people were visiting during the day in the middle of the summer. A lot of people were walking around outside near the canal but very few were inside. When I asked if this is common the person responded in a way that makes me think that they were not expecting more than what was there.
The exhibits were focused on the history of the area. Some of them were amazing in the quality they brought. Others looked like they needed some improvement.
Overall it was a good time with lots to learn. I look forward to a return visit when the areas that are being redone are once again open.
We were here on a Friday and were surprised that only about a dozen people were visiting during the day in the middle of the summer. A lot of people were walking around outside near the canal but very few were inside. When I asked if this is common the person responded in a way that makes me think that they were not expecting more than what was there.
The exhibits were focused on the history of the area. Some of them were amazing in the quality they brought. Others looked like they needed some improvement.
Overall it was a good time with lots to learn. I look forward to a return visit when the areas that are being redone are once again open.
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,509 contributions
May 2022
With more than 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Indiana State Museum at 650 West Washington Street, on the Indiana Central Canal in Indianapolis' White River State Park, covers the history of the natural world, Native Americans, cultural history and the future of Indiana. The museum, whose original collection was started during the Civil War in 1862, houses exhibits on the science, art, culture and history of Indiana from prehistoric times to the present day. It also is the site of the state's largest IMAX screen. The museum has been housed in several sites in Indianapolis since its original collection was displayed in a spacious room on the third floor of the State Capitol Building in 1888. It moved into its current home on May 22, 2002. The museum's collection of more than 500,000 objects contains six focus areas, which the museum refers to as "Centers of Excellence." These areas are Ice Age paleontology, Abraham Lincoln, Indiana art and artists, quilts and textiles, Indiana industry, technology and agriculture and Indiana archaeology. In the Legacy Theater in the Great Hall, visitors can view the Indiana African-American Experience. The first floor covers Birth of the Earth and Ancient Seas and First Nations. On the second floor, see 19th State, The Hoosier Way, Crossroads of America, Enterprise Indiana and Global Indiana. Finally, take the 92 County Walk, an art experience that spotlights Indiana's 92 counties by featuring an original sculpture for each county.
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
plevin2017
Lebanon, OH469 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
It is not outstanding (a 5). It is not exceptional (a 4). It is a solid state museum. A THREE.
It did a great job of telling how Indiana came to be after screwing over the Indians. A nice walk through the states history.
On the Mai. Floor some nice pre history.
A nice kids grilled cheese $6 was far better than the adult chicken salad $12. And $3.25 for soda was a bit much. But if food is required it beats leaving the complex
It did a great job of telling how Indiana came to be after screwing over the Indians. A nice walk through the states history.
On the Mai. Floor some nice pre history.
A nice kids grilled cheese $6 was far better than the adult chicken salad $12. And $3.25 for soda was a bit much. But if food is required it beats leaving the complex
Written 8 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N4685WEN
90 contributions
Aug 2022
We decided to do this museum after going to the Eiteljorg Museum the day before. There is so much to do and see and you will spend several hours walking through everything. We liked the fossils as well as the early Indiana history.
Written 14 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheRealJTForReal
Hopkinsville, KY571 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
ASTC = membership free entry so this is all based on exhibits. This is a great museum. Three levels of exhibits with several hands-on exhibits for kids. Depending on how in-depth you want to go with the exhibit you could easily blow 3 hours or more in here (we stayed for about 3.5 hours). Lots of state history exhibits and science related exhibits.
Written 4 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FinGin79
Charleston, SC156 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
I was more than pleased with my visit to this site. The staff was super friendly. The $16 senior rate was well worth the price. The museum experience was nicely organized and the presentation was excellent. The exhibits were visually interesting and the accompanying information made the story come clear. This was a trip from the Ice Age to the 21st century and I’m very glad I bought a ticket for it.
Written 14 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelley H
Stuart, FL60 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Wow. I was staying at the hotel across the street and had a day to kill in Indy. The front desk person suggested this museum, and I was beyond impressed. This museum is top-notch. What a jewel. The exhibits were beautifully curated. I spent almost the entire day there. I was able to have tea in the L.S. Ayres tearoom. Service and food was amazing. I would highly recommend the tea when at the museum. Fabulous experience from beginning to end!
Written 30 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmc11_11
Waynesburg, PA291 contributions
July 2022
Nice building in a nice location, along the canal, near other museums, and parks. Nice introduction to the natural history of the area, and the development of the state.
Good sections for younger people, and exhibits for us more 'mature' visitors.
Had a nice light lunch at cafe
Good sections for younger people, and exhibits for us more 'mature' visitors.
Had a nice light lunch at cafe
Written 28 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zzzland
Zeeland, MI93 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
If your looking for something to do and have the desire to drive away the winter blues, this is the place. A great museum, educational and clean. Our lunch at the cafe’ was excellent, very friendly staff and high quality food.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have to pack lunch due to medical conditions, is re entry to the museum available? any place for a picnic or can you bring in your own food?
Written 31 March 2018
reentry is available. just take your lunch to the cafeteria and eat there. should not be a problem under the circumstances.
Written 1 April 2018
Yes, they have a lot of "hands on" things for children.
Written 29 May 2018
The underground parking is mentioned several places but I cannot find it on Google Maps to enter into my GPS. Can anyone supply specific directions or coordinates?
Written 15 June 2016
As soon as you turn off of W Washington into the museum (California St, I believe), you will make an immediate left into the parking garage. If you look on Google Maps, Turner Garden sits on top of the parking garage. Hope this helps.
Written 16 June 2016
I see the question is answered. I would have had no idea.
Written 6 August 2016
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