Indiana War Memorial & Museum

Such a cool "attraction" in Indianapolis. However, the sole reason for going was the upstairs space with the flag and the soldiers monument. It was closed for maintenance. I was not happy about that, but just bad luck on our part. It is free to visit and I recommend doing so. Poignant section on 9/11 with Hoosiers who lost their lives, and an entire section on the U.S.S. Indianapolis.

This is a really cool monument with a free museum. If you like beautiful buildings you need to see this one. Highly recommend

Excellent history of the US military, from the French-Indian War to the present, told from the point of view of Indiana. Huge collection of artifacts augmented with videos, dioramas, models, and more. I loved the display comparing the shoes and boots worn by competing armies in WWI, for example. Nothing really hands-on for kids, though. Some of the mannequins were worn, with cracks running all over their faces. But most things looked well maintained. I was impressed with how well the museum showed Black and women involvement in military history, including in the state of Indiana. Beyond the historical displays, there was a stunning auditorium. The upstairs was closed when we were there. (They were in the process of repairing a leaking roof.) So we missed seeing what is supposed to be a spectacular shrine up there. There was no cost to enter, but we left a donation. There are multiple levels. I did notice lifts for wheelchairs by some of the stairs. There was plenty of paid on-street parking available nearby.

This is great museum! I learned information about the 9/11 attack on New York, I learned about the soldiers that were underground they have a proper name and I do apologize for not remembering. If someone knows what they're called please let me know. These soldiers were underground in narrow, dark, labyrinths. They even had to be able to load their guns in complete darkness because they only had a flashlight to use. I learned about the meaning as-salaamu alaykum this means "peace be upon you". There's so much to see here and it's free admission. The lady who works at the front desk was very polite, and friendly. Overall I enjoyed the museum I learned about so much and I would definitely come again.

The Indiana War Memorial is a powerful and moving tribute to the state’s veterans, set in a beautifully designed neoclassical building. With its impressive architecture, peaceful plaza, and immersive museum inside, it’s a must-visit for history lovers. The memorial honors sacrifice with dignity and offers a quiet, reflective space right in the heart of the city.

Indianapolis, Indiana, has the largest acreage dedicated to war memorials in the U.S., with 25 acres in the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District, honoring veterans from various wars. This district is a historic landmark that features multiple parks, fountains, and various monuments, including the Indiana War Memorial and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

The museum is by donation only. There's no entrance fee. The tower is closed for repairs. They are hoping to open again by the end of this year. It's a large museum with lots of information specific to Indiana war history and the residents that fought in them. The building is art deco, just gorgeous! It's definitely worth going to see.