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Indiana State Museum: Traveler Reviews

650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-1637
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Ranked #20 of 70 attractions in Indianapolis
Type: Museums, History Museums
Owner description: Explore one of Indianapolis' top attractions The Indiana State Museum in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis is the place to go to uncover... more » Owner description: Explore one of Indianapolis' top attractions The Indiana State Museum in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis is the place to go to uncover Indiana’s secrets. The museum houses exhibits on science, art, culture and history of Indiana from prehistoric times up to the present day. The museum provides stunning views and architecture, making it a great venue for weddings, special events or meetings. Home to the famous L.S. Ayres Tea Room restaurant, the Indiana Store gift shop, and the IMAX Theater, Indiana’s largest movie screen. « less
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99 reviews from our community

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Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Jumbled and not so interesting”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 27, 2012

The entire first floor is devoted to how Indiana was from a geological standpoint. I will admit, the whole discussion on how glaciers moved and when bores me silly. But the real disappointment came in the history of the state's culture on the second floor. Was jumbled, wandering and unfocused. The re-created Ayres Tea Room is nothing special and for anyone expecting a true re-creation you will be disappointed. If there was a specific special exhibit (was something about corn when we were there), would go back. Otherwise, will find something else to do.

Visited November 2012
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MediaKath, Communications Director at Indiana State Museum, responded to this review
November 30, 2012
Thanks for your review! You noticed the chronology of the museum, with the Natural History on the Level 1, Cultural History on Level 2 and traveling exhibits on Level 3 (did you miss Eternal James Dean?). The L.S. Ayres Tea Room is a recreation of the actual Tea Room, from the menu and carpet, right down to the view outside the "windows". That nostalgia might've been lost on someone who'd never experienced the original with their grandma, family, etc. Perhaps you'll enjoy our Star Wars exhibition next spring...give us another try! We are constanting tweaking and adjusting our displays and appreciate your opinion.
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Indianapolis
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Fun”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 9, 2012

This is the place to go for older children, so much info about Indiana. Adults will enjoy the laid back atmosphere and the different galleries. The amount of information the children can receive while having a good time is amazing. The Imax being there is a plus.

Visited August 2012
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Indianapolis, Indiana
Top Contributor
99 reviews 99 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“Nice”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 8, 2012

Always a fun place to visit especially on a rainy Saturday or a hot July day. Lots to look at not to expensive, and very interesting.

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Rochester
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Nice trip down the history of Indiana”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 1, 2012

Very well done. I enjoyed my visit. I recommend it. Easy parking underneath the building. Very attentive staff. I learned things about Indiana I did not know. Good for the family. There are interactive exhibits.

Visited October 2012
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Beavercreek, Ohio
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Great Experience”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 26, 2012

The museum is a great facility. I took my 9 year old niece and 11 year old nephew - both had a great time. Very nice IMAX theater.

Visited October 2012
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