The monument's design was inspired by the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Shrine Room features a Star of Destiny on the ceiling, intended to symbolize the ultimate hope for peace.
The monument is built on an axis that aligns with the Indiana State Capitol building to the south.
The foundation contains a time capsule placed during the cornerstone laying ceremony in 1927.
The surrounding plaza was the first urban park in Indianapolis to be formally planned as part of the World War I memorial project.
The museum holds a collection of over 20,000 historical items, including rare uniforms and combat gear.
The building utilizes significant amounts of Indiana limestone, sourced from the state's own quarries.
The Indiana War Memorial & Museum is a 210-foot tall neoclassical structure dedicated to honoring Indiana's military service members from World War I to the present. The facility occupies a five-block urban park spanning over 24 acres in downtown Indianapolis. Its centerpiece is the Shrine Room, a solemn space featuring high ceilings, stained glass, and a central altar. The museum spans 30,000 square feet and features chronological galleries housing artifacts from various conflicts. The exterior architecture is modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. The site serves as the national headquarters for The American Legion. Visitors can explore displays ranging from heavy military equipment to personal service letters. The grounds contain multiple outdoor monuments, including the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum located beneath the main monument plaza.
The wide angle view from the south steps of the memorial looking back toward the Obelisk square.
Start your visit at the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum located on the ground level before heading to the main memorial galleries.
Allow extra time to walk the full five-block perimeter of the War Memorial Plaza to view all secondary statues and fountains.
Check the website for rotating temporary exhibits that focus on specific branches of service or conflict eras.
Attempting to see everything in less than two hours, as the museum collection is vast and spans multiple floors and levels.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as this is a site of remembrance; hats should be removed in the Shrine Room.
