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American Legion Mall and Headquarters Museum

700 N Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46077 · 317-630-1200

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WAR MEMORIAL PLAZA HISTORIC DISTRICT. Memorabilia from both World Wars and Vietnam are on display in this interesting museum. A wide range of paraphernalia used by the US military is showcased, providing visitors with a glimpse of what many of the brave soldiers had with them on the battlefield. Also part of their collection are more than 2500 posters from both World Wars and an original draft of 1944 GI Bill of Rights. Outside, American Legion Mall is greenspace that is home the state's Korean and Vietnam memorials.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208-4716 · 317-334-3322

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Adults and children of all ages enjoy viewing and participating in the many hands-on exhibits provided by this interesting museum. A life-size learning tree is the setting for reading time, and a real stage is set up for precious puppet shows. Scientific exhibits, an arts and crafts area, and toys from the past are also included. Be sure to visit the huge stuffed polar bear and the water clock, which are two of the most popular attractions.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

500 W Washington St, White River State Park, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · 317-636-9378

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DOWNTOWN. The exhibits displayed in this museum illustrate various aspects of life in America's Wild West. A number of the works bear the names of such renowned artists as Georgia O'Keeffe and Frederick Remington. Some of the displays highlight artifacts chronicling the trials and tribulations of the lives of Native Americans. The souvenir shop includes a number of items that would make a perfect gift for someone special or a great keepsake for yourself.

Freetown Village Living History Museum

625 Indiana Ave, Madame CJ Walker Bldg & other venues, Indianapolis, IN 46202 · 317-631-1870

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Part of the State Museum, Freetown Village is a living history museum that lets visitors get a glimpse of the lives of free African Americans living in 1870, just five years after the end of the Civil War. Costumed actors represent composite characters determined from the 1870 Indianapolis census, and the geography of the exhibit focuses on the city's old Fourth Ward. The museum offers an outstanding program called "Evening Dinner with Freetown Village," a unique chance for you to experience a historically focused, family-style meal including the likes of smothered cabbage, black-eyed pea soup and cornmeal hoecakes.

Indiana Medical History Museum

3045 W Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46222-4943 · 317-635-7329

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The historical pathology lab in which this museum resides is one of the oldest in the nation. Its primary purpose was to provide a base for the study of mental illness; as such, surgical tools from the 1800s are on display, as are a doctor's kit from the Civil War and patent medicines. Visitors with a particular interest in medical history may want to peruse a book on rare diseases in the library or sit in on a seminar in the lecture hall.

Indiana State Museum

650 W Washington St, White River State Park, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · 317-232-1637

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DOWNTOWN. Located in White River State Park, this museum brings the past to life with its exhibits on Indiana history, from pre-historic times to present. It also includes displays that explore nature, the arts, science and culture. The facility boasts approximately 300,000 artifacts filling over 40,000 square feet of exhibit space. Two restaurants and a museum shop are also located on the premises.

Indianapolis Art Center

820 E 67th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220-1139 · 317-255-2464

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Top quality art exhibits made by artists who are locally and nationally renowned are displayed in this fine arts center. Those who have an interest in art or a particular talent that they aren't sure what to do with are encouraged to take one of the many art classes that are offered. From drawing and photography to oil painting, there is something here to help aspiring artists of all skill levels reach their full potential.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum

4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 · 317-492-6784

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Housed in a building that is a National Historic Landmark, this magnificent museum displays hundreds of exhibits that feature various racing teams, vehicles from the past and the aerodynamics of a racecar. For a small additional charge, you can take a tour of the actual racetrack.

Indianapolis Museum of Art

4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208 · 317-920-2660

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Set amid beautifully landscaped grounds, this fascinating museum treats visitors to a variety of African, Asian and European works and artifacts. Among its holdings are Native American and South Pacific art, decorative items that date to the 14th century, textiles and rugs, contemporary art, and prints, drawings and photography. The museum complex also features Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens. Restaurants and a gift shop are available.

National Art Museum of Sport

850 W Michigan St, University Place – IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN 46202 · 317-274-3627

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This museum bills itself as the nation's premier collection of sports-related art. You'll find a variety of paintings, sculptures and silkscreen prints that focus on more than 40 different sports. From a watercolor painting of beloved Colts quarterback Peyton Manning to an oil painting depicting the sport of bird hunting, the collection offers a diverse look at sports art that both sports and art enthusiasts will appreciate. Throughout the year, special exhibits are held that feature nationally renowned athletes.

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If you're a history buff, art aficionado, archaeology fiend, or dabbler in the sciences, our museum picks are perfect for a rainy day or afternoon excursion! Our selections center around notable collections of historical and cultural items. Many have excellent rotating displays in addition to exceptional permanent collections.

 

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