Indiana War Memorial
Indiana War Memorial
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A tribute to Indiana war veterans, from World War I to the Vietnam War.
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Address
Neighborhood: Downtown Indianapolis
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
663 reviews
Excellent
478
Very good
155
Average
25
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Porthos7
West Chester, OH6,169 contributions
Couples
I've lived and adventured around the world, and this night me one of my all time favorite buildings/museums! Self guided through different "wars" that the US have been involved in-especially WWI, and the INDIANA involvement of each. The entire building is incredibly cool - inside and out, and 90% is handicap accessible - you'll need at least 2 hours. Go and enjoy, it's almost overwhelming!
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EugeC
San Diego, CA262 contributions
The Indiana War Memorial has a very large and high-quality museum inside.
The museum seems packed into the available space.
The museum highlights early Indiana history from a different perspective than those emphasized in other parts of the country (such as the surrender of Fort Sackville).
The museum also presents voluminous history and artifacts relating to Indiana's contributions to and sacrifices on behalf of various conflicts up until the present day. The exhibits are static and non-interactive, though, and vary in quality. Exhibits on more recent conflicts seem notably less organized than those on those from prior centuries.
Someone interested in history could easily spend several hours here; young children may enjoy some parts but not others.
The museum seems packed into the available space.
The museum highlights early Indiana history from a different perspective than those emphasized in other parts of the country (such as the surrender of Fort Sackville).
The museum also presents voluminous history and artifacts relating to Indiana's contributions to and sacrifices on behalf of various conflicts up until the present day. The exhibits are static and non-interactive, though, and vary in quality. Exhibits on more recent conflicts seem notably less organized than those on those from prior centuries.
Someone interested in history could easily spend several hours here; young children may enjoy some parts but not others.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan A
California45 contributions
Fantastic museum in a beautiful building. Lots of memorabilia, paintings photographs. There are wonderful genuine war posters on the walls above the display cases, make sure to look up. We spent about 2 hours there. Only wish they had a gift shop, would love to have had a Christmas ornament for our tree.
I hope many school students visit here, so much history to understand.
I hope many school students visit here, so much history to understand.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wireless_in_CA
United States4,648 contributions
Solo
It rises up 210 feet and reachable via a flight of steps and towers over almost five blocks of war memorials and monuments. One of the largest collections outside of Washington DC.
Inside the museum there were three levels to explore. I was welcomed at the front desk even though I was about 10 minutes earlier than opening. I received a quick overview and then went on a self exploration.
The Shrine was upstairs which was a solemn room with blue stained glass windows and ceiling lights. One of the largest flags hung from the ceiling below a large star and above a large granite altar. Reliefs adorned all four walls and gave progressive details about American involvement in WWI until the end of the war. Also highlighted were portraits of key allied participants. A large fan was running continuously since it was stuffy inside the shrine.
Heading down to the basement, this was where the museum showcased many artifacts and storyboards starting from the American Revolution and covering every war in chronological order. It was well curated and detailed covering many aspects of the wars, profiles of people and mini dioramas. At the very end I got close up to an attack Cobra helicopter, humvee and canon. There was a ton of items to see and read so make sure you spend enough time here.
On the main floor after exiting the museum, I explored the exhibits dedicated to the wars in the Middle East, 9/11 and the USS Indianapolis. An auditorium was also open. Before leaving, I spent some quality time with volunteers in the Radio Room. The equipment was restored and the guys were a source of great knowledge about ships and communication equipment.
Well worth the time.
Inside the museum there were three levels to explore. I was welcomed at the front desk even though I was about 10 minutes earlier than opening. I received a quick overview and then went on a self exploration.
The Shrine was upstairs which was a solemn room with blue stained glass windows and ceiling lights. One of the largest flags hung from the ceiling below a large star and above a large granite altar. Reliefs adorned all four walls and gave progressive details about American involvement in WWI until the end of the war. Also highlighted were portraits of key allied participants. A large fan was running continuously since it was stuffy inside the shrine.
Heading down to the basement, this was where the museum showcased many artifacts and storyboards starting from the American Revolution and covering every war in chronological order. It was well curated and detailed covering many aspects of the wars, profiles of people and mini dioramas. At the very end I got close up to an attack Cobra helicopter, humvee and canon. There was a ton of items to see and read so make sure you spend enough time here.
On the main floor after exiting the museum, I explored the exhibits dedicated to the wars in the Middle East, 9/11 and the USS Indianapolis. An auditorium was also open. Before leaving, I spent some quality time with volunteers in the Radio Room. The equipment was restored and the guys were a source of great knowledge about ships and communication equipment.
Well worth the time.
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FinGin79
Charleston, SC152 contributions
Solo
This was the surprise jewel of my day in downtown Indianapolis. It was recommended by the information lady at the Indiana History Museum and I’m very glad I took the walk to find it. This structure itself is seriously impressive, but the displays inside are the highlight. Military history with an Indiana focus is wonderfully portrayed. So much is brought almost to life by the displays. Also, the Shrine Room is very moving. It’s a really good place to take time to say a prayer or meditate on those who have put their lives on the line for our freedom. This is a free museum that everyone visiting Indiana’s capital should visit.
Written May 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
William N
South Bend, IN171 contributions
I had driven past this many times and always wondered what was inside. It is worth your time, and free, although there are a LOT of stairs to climb. It's interesting to read the information about the participation in the various wars - if you are someone for whom this holds no interest, the Shrine Room is still worth seeing - it's in the center of the building and the stained glass and ceiling are really surprising.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CleopatraBunny
Flagstaff, AZ1,629 contributions
It's free to enjoy this architectural gem with its incredible auditoriums and military displays. The USS Indianapolis exhibit made us curious to know more about its role in WW2. Don't miss the room with the gigantic American flag. It's stunning! And then walk the mall to see the other monuments.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa G
Aurora, IN536 contributions
Couples
No matter what your view of war is, this memorial is impressive both in terms of its architecture and the museum. We were very impressed. The exhibits are interesting and have good didactics. The stories they tell are heartbreaking and heroic. It is free. Definitely worth a visit.
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MissMem
Memphis, TN1,160 contributions
The building is a stunning Art Deco design dating back to the 1930s. And the exhibits focus on many battles throughout American history.
The upstairs houses an impactful shrine room and downstairs is a beautiful auditorium. There's much to see and remember in this monumental memorial.
The upstairs houses an impactful shrine room and downstairs is a beautiful auditorium. There's much to see and remember in this monumental memorial.
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Digger5246
Indiana826 contributions
Family
What a great facility! Looking at how Indiana contributed to the war efforts throughout the years. The architecture is stunning!
Admission is free. You can easily spend a couple of hours seeing all of it. Enter on the north side of the building.
Admission is free. You can easily spend a couple of hours seeing all of it. Enter on the north side of the building.
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BREDAL01
Fort Wayne, IN1 contribution
Is the main museum still open during construction?
Digger5246
Indiana826 contributions
Yes it is open during regular hours.
Where to park
Jowanna P
Indianapolis, IN149 contributions
Plenty of close inexpensive street parking that is free on Sundays/holidays.
Where to park
Jowanna P
Indianapolis, IN149 contributions
There is plenty of metered parking nearby. VERY close by!
disneydadIndiana
Indiana12 contributions
Cost to get in
BARFESSER
Germantown WI374 contributions
It was free when we were there. Donations are accepted.
CobbCoGA
Marietta, GA789 contributions
About how much time should one allow for a visit (inside and out)?
glhenry
Oklahoma City, OK752 contributions
Seems to be some confusion in the answers. Some seem to be referencing the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial in Monument Circle. The OP asked about the Indiana War Memorial. If the OP meant the S&S Memorial..,then maybe an hour to go to the top and then visit the Civil War Museum in the basement. But if the OP meant the Indiana War Memorial...then two hours minimum to visit the various exhibits therein and do them justice. I spent a good 20-30 minutes in the shrine room just sitting and soaking in the majesty. Do go therein the morning if possible as the Shrine Room isn't air conditioned and is stuffy in the hot afternoon. Everywhere else is air conditioned though. Great place and a must see.
What wars does the memorial have displays of
Scottdock
22 contributions
Very interesting & its free
Indiana War Memorial, Indianapolis
Frequently Asked Questions about Indiana War Memorial
- Indiana War Memorial is open:
- Wed - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Indiana War Memorial tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Indiana War Memorial tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Indiana War Memorial:
- (0.33 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
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- (0.48 mi) Nestle Inn Bed and Breakfast
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- Restaurants near Indiana War Memorial:
- (0.07 mi) Stars Sandwich Market
- (0.22 mi) The Eagle Mass Ave
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- (0.23 mi) Bazbeaux Pizza
- (0.23 mi) Bakersfield