Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 22, 2024) — As the total solar eclipse moves through Indiana, visitors can take a front-row seat alongside their fellow space enthusiasts for a day full of excitement and educational experiences at the Total Solar Eclipse Celebration at the Indiana State Museum.

From 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on April 8, attendees of all ages can immerse themselves in this once-in-a-lifetime event through eclipse-themed activities, live demonstrations, collaborative art, science experiments, fun facts and more, all supported by the Simons Foundation.

To ensure everyone enjoys a safe and memorable eclipse experience, visitors will receive a free pair of solar viewing glasses, while supplies last, then learn how to safely view this rare celestial phenomenon. Younger visitors can also get creative and decorate their own eclipse masks. Additional viewing glasses will be available for purchase at the Indiana Store along with eclipse-themed merchandise.

Lively DJ entertainment will create a festive atmosphere inside the museum. Hands-on activities, like eclipse-themed creative wellness and a solar system model, as well as sensory experiences, including kinetic sand and shadow play will help visitors discover the science of earth and space. Families can also chat with a geologist and learn how to harness the sun’s energy with a solar oven.

Outside, visitors can make stomp rockets fly and stop by the Woodshop on Wheels to create a special woodworking project. For astronomy lovers, a physicist from Indiana University-Indianapolis will offer a unique view into space through a telescope projection and answer questions about the universe.

As totality approaches at 3:06 p.m., attendees can find a spot on the front lawn to view the eclipse or enjoy a live stream in the indoor comfort of the IMAX® theater or the museum’s auditorium and great hall. Afterwards, the museum will stay open late for visitors to explore the naturalist lab and three floors of galleries where they can see a real moon rock and other amazing objects.

The Total Solar Eclipse Celebration is free for members and included with general admission, which is $20 for adults, $14 for youth (ages 3-17) and $18 for seniors. Space is limited, and registration is required by April 5. Visitors can go to IndianaMuseum.org for information about admission discounts and eclipse programs at other Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites locations across the state.

About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a museum system with 12 locations across the state, offering visitors a chance to engage with Indiana’s past and present and see how their actions help shape the future. At each location, visitors are invited to explore big questions and create lasting experiences that will resonate long after each visit ends. Whether interested in art or architecture, history or science, there’s something for everyone and every interest. The Indianapolis museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The historic sites are located across the state, stretching from Rome City in northeastern Indiana to Evansville in the southwest. Learn more at IndianaMuseum.org.