Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Since the beginning, the museum has had a strong connection with the Indianapolis community. According to Monica Ramsey, the museum’s vice president of experience development and family learning, the organization’s first request for collection items was sent to families in the area.
“Through that call out out we got our very first object, which is a porcupine fish,” said Ramsey. “We still have it and people came come see it on display today in a really special exhibit that we have about some of the objects from our collection.”
In the century since, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum has added many new exhibits and experiences, becoming the world’s largest children’s museum at 225,000 square feet.
“We recognize the opportunity we have as a large institution to bring the world to Indianapolis and Indianapolis to the world, and I think through all of that we have been really mindful of change that happens around us and how can we stay connected,” Ramsey said.
The museum has existed long enough to see entire fields develop from what seemed like science fiction in 1925. One of these fields, space exploration, is even showcased in the Beyond Spaceship Earth exhibit, which opened in 2016.
This $8 million dollar expansion features recreations of the International Space Station’s interior. As guests maneuver throughout the ship, they learn about the ways astronauts live and study in the vacuum of space. The experience was built with the help of David Wolf, a former astronaut.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Visitors can also take a trip through our prehistoric past in the Dinosphere, one of the museum’s most popular exhibits.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Split across five areas, guests learn about the land and seas animals of the Mesozoic era inside immersive environments. The exhibit features fossils and recreations of dinosaurs such as the Gorgosaur, Hypocrosaur, Triceratops and the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
The area also features other Mesozoic animals such as the Sarcosuchus, nicknamed “Super Croc,” and Elasmosaurus. Guests can also design their own dinosaur eggs at the Art Lab and see real scientists work on the museum’s fossils in the Mission Jurassic Paleo Lab.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Dinosaurs can also be found outside the museum, in the form of giant sculptures causing mayhem on its exterior. These statues are designed to look as if they are “breaking in” or “breaking out” of the building itself.
“Those dinosaurs have become such beloved icons of our institution,” remarked Ramsey. “Sometimes we’re even called the dinosaur museum, which we are not mad about.”
Despite being family friendly, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum doesn’t shy away from serious topics. The Power of Children exhibit explores how kids have made a difference in the face of bigotry and adversity.
The experience specifically highlights the lives of four children: Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, Ryan White and Malala Yousafzai. The museum faithfully recreated scenes from these children’s lives, such as the Ryan White’s bedroom and Ruby Bridge’s classroom.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
This exhibit also features live theatrical performances to help further educate guests on the lives and impact of these children.
Alongside the indoor attractions, the museum offers outdoor experiences, which operate seasonally. This includes the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience.
This nearly eight-acre area allows children to participate in activities themed around tennis, hockey, basketball, football and more. There is also accessible equipment available, including sports wheelchairs and soft material balls.
Credit: Contirbuted
Credit: Contirbuted
While these are permanent attractions, the museum will also host several limited-time experiences for its centennial celebration in 2025. “This year we’re really thinking about what is it that reflects our past but also, more importantly, what is it that reflects what we want to be in our second century,” Ramsey said.
Experiences begin on Feb. 22 with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit. Themed around the popular children’s show, this event will feature interactive activities and characters. The experience will run until Sept. 1.
On March 15, the Centennial Ferris Wheel will open. Available through Nov. 2, this addon experience will cost $6 for museum members and $8 for non-members and give guests an elevated view of the Indianapolis area.
Later in the month, on March 22, the museum will feature work by Hollywood costume designer Ruth E. Carter in its Afrofuturism in Costume exhibit. The two-time Oscar winner is known for her work on the “Black Panther” movies, the 2014 remake of “Roots,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing” and more.
The exhibit will showcase the costumes from these films alongside interactive displays and live programming.
Throughout 2025, the museum will host a food drive for shelf-stable birthday cake ingredients to support Indianapolis-area children. Guests are encouraged to bring boxes of cake mix, 16 ounce containers of icing as well as birthday candles during their trip.
For the fundraiser, the museum partnered with Kroger and Gleaners, as well as the Mid-North Food Pantry and Acorn Distributors.
HOW TO GO
What: Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays except during summer.
Location: 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
More info: childrensmuseum.org
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