The museum building is constructed from Indiana limestone, which was sourced from quarries in Bedford, Indiana.
The 92 individual panels on the exterior represent the 92 counties of Indiana.
The museum houses a working Foucault pendulum that demonstrates the Earth's rotation.
The collection includes significant prehistoric fossils, including a mastodon and a mammoth discovered in the state.
The building was designed by the architectural firm Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf.
The museum integrates the historic 1888 Harrison Building into its design.
It is LEED-certified, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability in museum operations.
The Indiana State Museum is a three-story institution housed in a modern building constructed primarily from Indiana limestone. It chronicles the state's narrative through extensive galleries covering natural history, science, and cultural heritage. The facility serves as the anchor for White River State Park. Its exterior facade features 92 distinct elements representing each of Indiana’s counties. Permanent exhibits include the Foucault pendulum, a life-sized mammoth, and artifacts detailing the state's industrial and social evolution. The museum functions as a center for both historical preservation and scientific inquiry. It maintains a large collection of Hoosier art, including pieces by the T.C. Steele and the Hoosier Group. The structure itself is an architectural landmark in downtown Indianapolis.
The main lobby staircase featuring the towering Foucault pendulum.
Walk the entire canal-side exterior to view the county-themed architecture before entering.
Check the museum website for rotating temporary exhibits that often feature Indiana artists.
Visit the gift shop for locally made products and educational materials related to Indiana history.
Trying to see every gallery in one hour; the space is larger than it appears from the exterior.
Closed on Mondays.
