In person. At home. Online. 

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a museum network of 12 locations across the state of Indiana. Here, we use our incredible collection of artifacts (everything from mastodon bones to T.C. Steele paintings) and our state’s most culturally significant sites to tell larger stories around bigger themes. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history or science, we’ve got you covered. Come out and enjoy wide open spaces at our historic sites, explore three floors of fun at our downtown Indianapolis museum, and discover engaging online activities. Welcome to the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.

Operating hours

Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Hours may vary when downtown special events (such as parades or races) restrict traffic on streets near the museum.
Hours for State Historic Sites can be found on their respective web page.

Holidays

Easter – Closed

Memorial Day – Open

Labor Day – Open

Thanksgiving – Closed

Christmas Day – Closed

Free days

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Jan. 15

Presidents’ Day – Feb. 19

Juneteenth Celebration – June 15

Additional Open Days

Spring Break – March 18, 19, 25, 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2024 Solar Eclipse – April 8, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tickets and Information

  • Contact

  • Museum Admission

    Adults (ages 18 – 59) – $20
    Seniors (ages 60+) – $18
    Youth (ages 3 – 17) – $14
    College students – $5 (with valid ID from any Indiana college or university)
    Children under 3 – FREE

    Visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times

    Buy Tickets

    Buy museum tickets online and save $1 per ticket.

  • COVID-19 Safety

    • Advanced ticket purchases are not required. You can purchase your tickets online and save $1, or at the museum ticket counter upon arrival.
    • Masks are currently optional for both museum staff and visitors. Masks are provided to visitors who would like them.
    • The Farmers Market Café is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu consists of a variety of items including soups, sandwiches, salads and beverages. Grab & Go menu is available from 3 to 5 p.m.
    • Hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the museum.
    • If you have been exposed to COVID-19 recently or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath), please stay home and plan a future visit instead.
  • IMAX

    The IMAX® theater is located on level one at the Indiana State Museum.

    Learn more
  • Indiana State Museum Map

    Plan your visit by viewing or downloading our Indiana State Museum Map

  • Accessibility

    We understand that visitors’ needs vary, and our visitor services staff is available to help you make the most of your visit.

    Learn more
  • Discounts

    Special discounts are available for:

    • Access Pass holders
    • AAA Hoosier Members
    • Education groups
    • Indiana State Employees
    • Staff from Indianapolis Consortium of Arts Administrators
    • Military
    • Indiana College Students
    • Other groups
    Learn more

    Access Pass

    The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is proud to participate in the Access Pass program. Visit for just $2 per family member per visit!

    Indy Attraction Pass

    The Indy Attraction Pass offers the opportunity to maximize the Indianapolis experience at a budget-friendly price.
    • Flexibility to spend as much, or as little, time at each attraction as you choose
    • Save up to 50% versus buying individual admissions
    • Mobile passes are delivered to your phone (no app required) via text and email for safe, touchless entry

    Learn more
  • Parking & Directions

    The Indiana State Museum is conveniently located in downtown Indianapolis. The Indiana Department of Transportation has current information on road conditions.

    Where to park

    Parking is available in the attached White River State Park underground parking garage on Washington Street and in nearby garages, or in the White River State Park South Lot. For more information about other parking locations in the area, visit the Indianapolis Downtown parking site.

    Parking rates for the White River State Park Garage

    $4 per car (with the purchase of a ticket to the Indiana State Museum)
    $4 per car (with a $10 purchase from the Indiana Store)
    Free (with the purchase of an IMAX® ticket)
    $4 per car (with a $10 purchase from the cafe)
    Visitors are able to pay for parking at the Ticket Counter on level one.
    These rates apply to most special event days, including Colts games.
    Discounted parking rates expire daily at 5:30 p.m. with exceptions made for after-hours events.

    Public Transportation

    IndyGo operates bus routes that directly serve White River State Park and Military Park.

  • Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA

    The Indiana State Museum has numerous opportunities for Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA throughout the year including Badge Days, holiday experiences and more.

    Girl Scouts Scouts BSA
  • Group Visits

    Gather your group to explore the Hoosier state at the Indiana State Museum! Group visits are typically self-guided and last two to three hours. For group transportation to the museum, contact our partners at CharterUP.

    Learn more
  • Commercial Photography and Videography

    If you are a photographer looking to book a shoot at the Indiana State Museum, please review our commercial photography policy and application process.

Indiana State Museum

Museum Contact & Directions

Located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum is the place to explore Indiana’s past, present and future.

Take the Museum Home with You

Visit The Indiana Store for a variety of Indiana-made and Indiana-themed items. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items including art, posters, jewelry, shirts and sweatshirts, books, greeting cards and collectibles. Youth will enjoy novelty candy, toys, stuffed animals and other treats. Proceeds from the sale of all merchandise benefit the Indiana State Museum.

Visit the Store
store
farmers market cafe

Farmers Market Cafe

Enjoy the best view in the city at the museum’s Farmers Market Café. With indoor and outdoor seating, the menu is reflective of Indiana’s heritage as a source of fresh, local produce with seasonal menus and fresh soups, salads and sandwiches.

Learn More

L.S. Ayres Tea Room™

Enjoy traditional favorites inspired by the original L.S. Ayres Tea Room™ including chicken velvet soup and chicken salad. Or, try a classically-inspired tea room experience with hot tea, tea sandwiches and pastries.

Learn More
Guests dining in L.S. Ayres Tea Room