Indianapolis Museums

Are you itching for something new?

Updated JANUARY 2026.


Check out our list of museums around the Indy area below to see if anything piques your interest. From traditional art and science presentations to interactive virtual sports exhibits, the museums around Indianapolis are among the best in the world. 





Children's Museums of Indianapolis

FREE ADMISSION DAYS: February 16th, December 24th

All five floors of exhibits are sure to engage people of all ages, not just the youngsters. The museum is considered to be one of the best (if not the best) children’s museums in the world, so don’t miss out on exhibits like the Dinosphere, or the five-story-high sculpture, “Fireworks of Glass.”





Newfields

FREE ADMISSION DAYS: First Thursday of every month

The museum has received numerous awards for its conservation efforts and its contributions to the community. Their restoration of the “Love” sculpture is a must-see, but the Asian art collection and the 100 Acre Art and Nature Park are also impressively comprehensive.





Indiana State Museum

FREE ADMISSION DAYS: February 16th

Located in White River State Park, the Indiana State Museum features three floors of science, art, and culture, all of which relate to Indiana. A favorite exhibit for many people is the “92 County Walk,” a sculpture exhibit featuring each piece representing a different county in the state. If science, art, and culture aren’t your thing, you should at least come to the Indiana State Museum to check out the largest IMAX screen in the state. You won’t be disappointed!





NCAA Hall of Champions

FREE ADMISSION DAYS: February 16th

Full of trivia and hands-on experiences, the NCAA Hall of Champions is the museum for any sports fanatic! The first floor, “Arena”, features exhibits that showcase all 24 NCAA sports, complete with video highlights. After exploring the history of the NCAA, head up to the second floor, “Play”, for the interactive exhibits, which include a 1930s retro gymnasium, virtual sport simulators, and of course, a basketball goal to show off your free-throw skills!





Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

FREE ADMISSION DAYS: February 16th

If you've never been to the IMS outside the Indy 500, the IMS Museum is a great way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of racing while exploring dozens of newly renovated, interactive exhibits. 





Indiana War Memorial

Free Every Day

The Indiana War Memorial Museum is a 30,000-square-foot chronological museum that portrays American military history from the Revolutionary War to the present day, with a special focus on Indiana's role in the nation's conflicts. The IWM Museum is dedicated to commemorating the valor, achievements, and sacrifices of American and Hoosier veterans, and to educating the public about the vital role Indiana and its citizens have played in America's military history. 




Photo: Conner Prairie

Conner Prairie

FREE ADMISSION DAYS: First full weekend of each month

Take a trip back in time and explore one of Indiana's most unique and immersive museums. Experience events that will excite the whole family, such as Symphony on the Prairie and the Headless Horseman Festival, among others.





Indiana Historical Society

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana's premier storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing the state's history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation's premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor experiences called the Indiana Experience.





The Eiteljorg Museum

FREE ADMISSION DAYS: June 19th, October 13th 

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art was founded by Indianapolis businessman and philanthropist Harrison Eiteljorg. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history, and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America. The museum executes this charge in exciting and often surprising ways. Exhibits vary, discussing everything from pistols of the Wild West to Jewish life during that time, and even featuring some Georgia O'Keeffe paintings. 





Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis

Formerly known as The Tube Factory, CAMi will soon be operating in a 40,000-square-foot space with ample exhibition, performing arts, and event center space. Stay tuned for more details leading up to the opening in May!




Did we miss something? Let us know - [email protected]!