Indiana Medical History Museum

Absolutely amazing experience. This site is beautiful esthetically and filled with such rich history. Anyone will find this information interesting, and especially those who have a passion for medicine and mental health. Our docent, Josie, was knowledgeable and so personable. You could see in her presentation that she has such passion for the facility's history and was a fabulous presenter. I could have spent days reading all the anecdotes, viewing the preserved specimens, and appreciating the artistic style of the building. One hour went by in a flash! We were passing through Indy on a road trip, and this was the only landmark we visited. Zero regrets. 100/10 will return again.

First of all, you need to make an appointment to tour this place. David, our tour guide and board member, was wonderful. Made my husband's and my experience exceptional. It was a very knowledgeable and one-of-a-kind experience. They also have a medicinal garden that explains what certain plants were used for back in the day.

This place was absolutely fascinating. Apparently, it's quite the hidden gem since no one that I talked to who lives in Indianapolis even knew it existed. I'm thankful that Google local guides gave it such glowing reviews. I'm going to add my glowing review as well.
The tour guide I had was truly knowledgeable. He took extra time and was really great at answering questions.
So much history has been remarkably well preserved. The architecture was very functional and they explain all of that to you. Some of it is pretty macabre, but my wife is a trauma nurse and said she could've spent another 10 to 20 hours in there, and way more if they'd actually let you read the books.
The autopsy table, the death room, the lecture hall, the chemical production room, so much stuff they did back then is still in use today, it's just much easier to do now.
There are brains and pieces of brains in jars, with the tumors and such clearly described.
It was easy to get to, had plenty of parking, and even a garden of medicinal plants that have little tags by them explaining what they were used for.
Appointments are required. There is a flight of stairs, and they are old stairs with at least one 90 degree turn in them, so probably not wheelchair friendly.
This was definitely worth visiting and I'll go again next time I'm in town if I have enough time to spare. So worth it.

Gave me American horror story vibes! Definitely a cool place to stop if your ever in the area! We came late in the afternoon before a rainstorm so didn’t get to get out and explore much!

My wife and I had a great tour. It lasts an hour, you spend plenty of time in each room, and if you get there early (you can only arrive 10 minutes early) you have time to explore the anatomy museum and read the stories of patients who died at Central State Hospital.