In person. At home. Online.
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a statewide museum network with 12 locations across 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.
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
Fall Break – Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17
Celebration Crossing – Nov. 27, 28; Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 26
Spring Break – Dates TBD
2024 Solar Eclipse – April 8, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tickets and Information
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Contact
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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 – FREEVisitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
Buy TicketsBuy museum tickets online and save $1 per ticket.
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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.
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IMAX
The IMAX® theater is located on level one at the Indiana State Museum.
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Indiana State Museum Map
Plan your visit by viewing or downloading our Indiana State Museum Map
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Accessibility
We understand that visitors’ needs vary, and our visitor services staff is available to help you make the most of your visit.
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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
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.
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• 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 -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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 MoreL.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.
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