Discover the life and career of champion bicycle racer and Indianapolis native Marshall “Major” Taylor. In this interactive experience, venture into the training room to learn how Taylor developed his speed and agility through a strict regimen of exercise and diet. Discover the pervasive racism that Taylor battled – from his competitors and in his hometown – and hear from great contemporary cyclists about how Taylor’s story has inspired a new generation of Black riders. See Taylor’s bicycle and many artifacts from the museum collection donated by his daughter Rita Sydney Taylor Brown, plus learn about bicycle safety and design, tinker with bikes and bike parts, test your skills and times on stationary bikes and more.
March 5 through October 23, 2022
Get hands-on with bicycle mechanics in the Bike Shop. Build your own bike then test it on the test track. Take a quiz to find out if you were a bike, what kind would you be? Learn how to change a flat tire. Race Major Taylor’s world-record times as you pedal on a stationary bike.
Major Taylor was an accomplished, world-renowned athlete and a devoted family man. Learn more about his success through photographs and scrapbooks from the museum’s collection that detail his racing strategies and his determination to overcome racism on and off the track. Also, read personal letters written to his wife and daughter when he traveled abroad.
Major Taylor has left a lasting impact on the cycling world in many ways. See and hear stories from current pro athletes and hobbyists. Find out about the “Invisible Riders” in our community – the people who rely almost solely on bikes to get where they need to go. Learn how you can become more involved in ongoing efforts to make our city more bike friendly.
Photo courtesy of photographer Kit Karzen
Related Blogs
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Posted October 25, 2022
The Pit Crew Gets to Work
The morning after the exhibit closed, Major Taylor's bicycle was being rolled down the hallway to the Conservation Lab.
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Posted July 22, 2022
Viewing Major Taylor From All Sides
Artist Walter Lobyn Hamilton designed the entry to our new exhibit “Major Taylor: Fastest Cyclist in the World"
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Posted March 14, 2022
Keeping the Legend Alive
Major Taylor’s great-granddaughter likes what she sees at the Indiana State Museum
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Posted March 1, 2022
Giving Voice to Major Taylor
Dominique Shelby portrays the world champion cyclist in the Indiana State Museum’s newest exhibit.
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Posted February 22, 2022
Rahsaan Bahati: What Major Taylor Means to Me
As part of “Mayor Taylor: Fastest Cyclist in the World”, we spoke with contemporary greats about what Taylor’s story has meant to them.
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Posted February 15, 2022
Justin Williams: What Major Taylor Means to Me
As part of “Mayor Taylor: Fastest Cyclist in the World”, we spoke with contemporary greats about what Taylor’s story has meant to them.
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Meet Our Trailblazers
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Posted March 28, 2022
Trailblazers: Ashley Leary
Ashley remembers the first time she realized cycling had something profound to offer her.
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Posted March 3, 2022
Trailblazers: DaeDae Young
DaeDae has always had a talent for restoring and fixing things.
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Posted March 3, 2022
Trailblazers: Raji Johnson
You are more likely to hear Raji approaching before you see him.
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Posted March 3, 2022
Trailblazers: Nick Gehlhausen
Most who know Nick Gehlhausen will likely have memories of meeting him for the first time while he’s on his bike or walking alongside it.
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Posted March 3, 2022
Trailblazers: Evan Cole
Evan Cole leaned his bike against the wall and began to peel off the layers.
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Posted March 3, 2022
Trailblazers: Clarence Jones
By the time you realize he’s passed you, Clarence is already a block or two ahead.
Read More
GET HANDS ON
Visit the exhibit during one of the dates below to participate in hands-on activities with our partners.
Nine13sports
Fridays: Sept. 16, Oct. 7, Oct. 21: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hop on the multi rider Kids Riding Bikes race simulator with your friends and see if you are as fast as Major Taylor was when he set the world record! Coaches from Nine13sports will be there to cheer you on and provide tips and tricks so you can give your very best effort.
Freewheelin'
Sept. 23: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join our partners at Freewheelin’ to learn about the different parts of a bicycle and how they operate. Then show off your creative side as you figure out how to repurpose bike parts to make some original art.
Related programs and events
Panel and reception
INSPIRE: An Evening of Conversation with Today’s Most Compelling Cyclists
Friday, August 26, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Indiana State Museum
Help us kick off a weekend of cycling in Indianapolis! As part of IU Health Momentum Indy’s weekend of bicycling activities, an all-star line-up of athletes will share their stories of perseverance, triumph and humorous moments both on and off the road. This event is free and is open to the public. Registration is required.
Learn more
Indy Crit
Sunday, August 28, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
University Park
Find representatives from the Indiana State Museum at the 2022 Indy Crit in the Kids Zone located at University Park. The festival features delicious food + drink, kids and family activities, and fun expo among thousands of cheering fans!
Made possible with the generous support of
