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If you're into history or architecture, the Indiana War Memorial is a must see! I recently made my first visit to the Memorial and was blown away. I have passed the building many times, but there always seemed to be construction going on. I never imagined the treasures and stories this 90 year old building holds. My husband and I visited last Wednesday. We climbed the stairs outside and admired the statues, architecture and amazing views. The sculptures are the work of Henry Hering, a renowned artist. Inside, the building is grand with an art deco feel. Marble staircases, elaborately carved wood trim and painted ceilings grace the halls. The security person told us to start the self guided museum in the basement and work our way up. The museum covers Indiana territory starting from the Revolutionary War through modern wars and conflicts. Descriptions of battles and original flags are interesting to see. The museum has archived everything imaginable including uniforms, electronics and letters. I was brought to tears hearing the story of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Sam Davis. A comprehensive honor roll of Indiana veterans fills two marble stairways. As we climbed further up, we found the Shrine Room, an immense and ornate room to remember those who served. The room is surrounded by red Vermont marble columns and vertical stained glass windows bring in colorful light. The museum is free, but donations are accepted. Plan about two hours to walk through. Metered street parking surrounds the complex. A visit is meaningful and educational.
Where do I even begin? This museum is a mammoth, eye catching building that towers over downtown Indianapolis. It's architecturally stunning, and the last think I expected to visit during our trip here (for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour). Thankfully it was open this Sunday morning, and my husband and I spent over an hour and a half walking through the beautiful building dedicated to US war history (with a focus on Indiana's contributions to each conflict). The war memorial is breathtakingly beautiful and the displays are poignant and memorable. My husband and I are both Army veterans (2000s era) and it was very moving. Definitely a must see when you come to this city!
Visiting the Indiana War Memorial recently, we were a little tight on time so we didn't go inside. What we did do was take some time for a leisurely walk around the outside. Tip: The Memorial is quite impressive when viewed from the outside; when you walk up the stairs you'll be treated to a pretty nice view from either side :-) Overall I'd say the Memorial is well worth a visit. Down the road, given the time, I'd like to return and tour the inside as well. As for others, I'd suggest that if you're going to visit here that you allow enough time to see both the inside and the outside in one trip.
In June of next year, 2024, it will have been 80 years since my 20 year old father stepped foot on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France and survived to marry my mother and create myself and my sister. He graduated IU Bloomington while in the ROTC in 1943 and immediately went into Officer's Candidate School. I think about that a lot and seek out and visit memorials dedicated to the "greatest generation." Even though this memorial was built primarily for veterans of the First World War it is still a must see destination, in my opinion, because the free museum covers every war beginning with a siege near Vincennes before the United States was a country and became independent of Great Britain and ends with all of the modern conflicts of the Middle East. This building is very impressive. Construction began after WW1 and was interrupted by WW2. The auditorium is currently under renovation. The seats have been removed and I saw workmen working on the floor tiles. But everything else is open, free and available. Outside, on the south side, it is 80 steps from the street level sidewalk to the shrine level. Inside, there is an elevator and a ramp to reach the summit where the shrine's altar is located. This is an extremely impressive room and structure. It looks like it belongs in our nation's capital. I don't think anything like this will ever be built again. I think everyone should see this at least once in their lifetime. The museum is very comprehensive. It covers the Revolutionary War, the Spanish War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, 9/11, The Iraq wars, and Afghanistan. The museum coverage focuses on Indiana's role and the Hoosiers that have fought in all the various wars and conflicts. There is a lot of attention to the USS Indianapolis heavy cruiser that carried the two atomic bombs and was sunk afterwards and the USS Indiana battleship. I think what impressed me the most was their extensive collection of uniforms, not just for soldiers and sailors, but for civilians as well. I was impressed by the woman from Indiana who was the first female Marine. Please check out the restrooms. Note that it says, "Gents" instead of Men. And that there is a "lounge" with stuffed sofas and chairs before going into the tiled restroom. This is how it was in the downtown movie theaters back when it was just one film showing per movie house decades before multiplex cinemas showed up in suburbia. The reason these lounges were provided for women was so they could adjust their stockings privately. I'm really showing my age here but it is what I remember about being a baby boomer in the 1950s and from what my mother told me.
It's titled as a memorial, and I dropped in towards the end of their hours to view the memorial shrine. However, the museum element comprises multiple floors and several rooms and a whole range of war history, which I regrettably had barely time to glance at. The memorial shrine is quite magnificent. I also noted with some amusement that the portrait of a French WWI leader looked remarkably like his presentation in the Netflix version of All Quiet on the Western Front. Moving on down to the museum rooms, they start with the original European exploration and settlement of what is now Indiana, and cover the whole range of wars (foreign wars at least, the Civil War wasn't a big focus). Notably, the U.S.S. Indianapolis was a major piece of naval history that is covered with a full room to itself here, but they also have 9/11, World War I, and everything else in between. There was no charge to enter, though a donation box was available. Part of a larger complex, this was an impressive structure, and I may well stop in for a more thorough perusal of the exhibits. As a native Washingtonian, I enjoy spending Memorial Day directing our veterans to their various spots in our nation's capitol. I am very familiar some of with the best military memorials and museums available, in various locales. I was nonetheless surprised and impressed at what I found in Indianapolis.
Just WOW! This is one of the best war museums I've ever visited. My husband and I spent several hours here. We were encouraged to start at the bottom and work our way up because that is the chronological border of the museum. I wish I had done the opposite. We always learn about early American wars, but I know so little about the wars from the last few decades. Make sure to save time for this section.
A few blocks north of Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, you will find the Indiana war memorial. The outside of the building alone is a spectacular work of architecture. Inside is even more magnificent. The entrance is located on the north side of the building. This is also where you will find a ramp. Inside there are many spectacular elements to see. The auditorium was spectacular. My next visit was up several stairs to the Shrine room. Immediately when you enter the shrine room you are greeted with an amazing American flag and as you look towards the ceiling you'll notice the magnificent star and several small blue stars. The presence of the American flag is inspiring. I could easily have sat in that room for hours. You will also notice several paintings of major Military leaders. After dragging ourselves away from the Shrine room we entered the museum area of the memorial. This area walks you through every war and major conflict that the United States was a part of. There were many things that we saw that made me reflect the sacrifice the men and women of this country went through for our freedom. This is a wonderful tourist destination in Indianapolis and it seems underrated for all that it has to offer. Not to mention that it is free! How many places can say that. You should give yourself at least an hour and a half or 2 hrs. I felt a little rushed because we went around lunchtime and I was getting too hungry to give it my full attention . This will be a must visit destination anytime I have visitors in town, but I definitely won't wait for them to go back!
We went here on a Sunday morning after hearing that this would be a good place to visit and learn more about Indianapolis. We parked at a street nearby (free parking) and walked over to the museum. It was a little chilly outside, and when we entered were quickly greeted by staff and directed to walk a specific way to get to the museum. There was no charge to enter the memorial. The museum has a collection of US military history spanning from the Revolutionary War to the Iraq War. It pays tribute to the men and women of the armed forces and recognizes their contributions. There's so much history to be found walking through these halls, and I was surprised to see the evolution of weapons and uniforms/wear in each conflict. There was also a staircase leading up to the top of the memorial that honored everyone that sacrificed their lives in WWII.
This is a must visit! I can't believe it took me this long to make it here. Entry is free. Come prepared to spend quite a bit of time. We were there an hour and barely saw much of it. Right now the WWII memorial and Korean area are closed. There are movies, exhibits and things to read. It just goes on and on. I cannot wait to come back.
Love to walk? Downtown Indianapolis is perfect on a sunny fall afternoon. Surprised to learn that Indianapolis has more war memorials than any other US city, with the exception of Washington, DC. Loved chatting with Manager Dezi at the Hampton Inn a few blocks away who recommended a visit to this collection of memorials and the mall. Originally conceived as a way to honor the veterans of World War I, it expanded to include memorials to those who fought and sacrificed their lives in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Cenotaph Square recognizes the first Hoosier to be killed in the line of duty in WWI. Veterans Memorial Plaza, which features a large central obelisk, is flanked by all fifty US State Flags. The War Memorial is the centerpiece of the plaza. The design is based on one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Built from Indiana limestone and featuring a huge bronze sculpture, known as Pro Patria, it is very impressive. At the southernmost lawn is the Depew Memorial Fountain. Alexander Stirling Calder created the bronze figures and the fountain. He is part of a long legacy of sculptors including his father, Alexander Milne Calder, and his son, Alexander "Sandy" Calder, who is known for his abstract monumental sculptures and mobiles. This urban park which spans five blocks is a nice place to spend an hour or two. Metered streetcar parking is available near the memorials. The Indiana War Memorial is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
This is a review for the outside of building. Once we're on the other side of this COVID ride, I promise to finally check out the inside. In the meantime, this is a beautiful spot to catch some fresh air, snag some steps and soak in four beautiful views of downtown. I especially love the view looking to the west over Meridian street with several buildings boasting historical facades. To the south and north, you'll see two of Downtow's larger green spaces- both are war memorials featuring monuments, benches, water fountains and shade. Once you find your way to the top of the monument steps, you can't help but notice the ornate doors and lion sculptures. During the warmer months, the monument is a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts in the wee hours of the morning.
My girlfriend and I visited the Indiana War Memorial Museum and I feel like it was a great experience. I'm someone who loves learning about history and I really enjoyed the collection of artifacts from both World Wars and the civil war. The museum did an excellent job of showcasing a few individual war stories and experiences of soldiers through different attractions. They showed us things like uniforms, weapons, and other gadgets. Each section was put near other things that related to them, and a lot of effort went into preserving these items. I found myself immersed in a lot of these displays, especially the ones focusing on local involvement in the wars. The museum's layout was well thought out, and easy to follow. The exhibits were detailed and I could probably spend hours there reading through different items historical context. I was impressed by the range of memorabilia, which ranged from small personal items to full on military vehicles. There was a lot of attention to detail and I learned more than I expected to. It was also quieter and less crowded than i expected it to be. The Indiana War Memorial is fascinating to people like myself, and being inside the monument was pretty cool. The museum is also located inside a historic building. The staff were friendly when I walked in to directing us where we wanted to go. I left feeling glad I went and would certainly go back.
The Indiana War Memorial is a fantastic museum. My husband and I went there, budgeting about an hour and a half and we did not have nearly enough time to see everything. The museum covers every war since the Revolutionary War up through our service in Iraq and Afghanistan and highlights Indiana's involvement in those conflicts. The displays are incredible. There are vehicles, aircraft, and countless artifacts from the wars on display. You will truly develop a greater appreciation for the sacrifice and honor displayed in the defense of freedom around the world. I highly recommend the Indiana War Memorial! read more
There is so much more than just the giant obelisk that so many people see on the Square. The Indiana War Memorial was conceived as a memorial to the Great War (World War I.) and as a headquarters for the American Legion. Eventually, it has become a focal point to pay tribute to an honor to soldiers who have served and given their lives for many of the engagements that American Armed Forces have participated in. At this site, you will find a large and interesting museum, containing hundreds of flags many from the American Civil War. other unique artifacts are present as well. There is a full scale reproduction of the radio room of the USS Indianapolis. And a large auditorium. The memorial is built from Ashlar Indiana Limestone, as are many buildings in this part of the State. It is neo-classical architecture, and the memorial design is based upon the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This is the central point, I think, of the city of Indianapolis. There are many beautiful architectural wonders in this town worth seeing, but the Indiana war Memorial stands out among them. read more
Perfect location for pictures on a sunny day! Today there are so many people taking prom pictures and they're adorable! Parking along the road is relatively inexpensive and you can pay via app or cash. Plenty of room for everyone! read more
2 years ago
If you're into history or architecture, the Indiana War Memorial is a must see! I recently made my first visit to the Memorial and was blown away. I have passed the building many times, but there always seemed to be construction going on. I never imagined the treasures and stories this 90 year old building holds. My husband and I visited last Wednesday. We climbed the stairs outside and admired the statues, architecture and amazing views. The sculptures are the work of Henry Hering, a renowned artist. Inside, the building is grand with an art deco feel. Marble staircases, elaborately carved wood trim and painted ceilings grace the halls. The security person told us to start the self guided museum in the basement and work our way up. The museum covers Indiana territory starting from the Revolutionary War through modern wars and conflicts. Descriptions of battles and original flags are interesting to see. The museum has archived everything imaginable including uniforms, electronics and letters. I was brought to tears hearing the story of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Sam Davis. A comprehensive honor roll of Indiana veterans fills two marble stairways. As we climbed further up, we found the Shrine Room, an immense and ornate room to remember those who served. The room is surrounded by red Vermont marble columns and vertical stained glass windows bring in colorful light. The museum is free, but donations are accepted. Plan about two hours to walk through. Metered street parking surrounds the complex. A visit is meaningful and educational. read more
2 years ago
Where do I even begin? This museum is a mammoth, eye catching building that towers over downtown Indianapolis. It's architecturally stunning, and the last think I expected to visit during our trip here (for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour). Thankfully it was open this Sunday morning, and my husband and I spent over an hour and a half walking through the beautiful building dedicated to US war history (with a focus on Indiana's contributions to each conflict). The war memorial is breathtakingly beautiful and the displays are poignant and memorable. My husband and I are both Army veterans (2000s era) and it was very moving. Definitely a must see when you come to this city! read more
2 years ago
Visiting the Indiana War Memorial recently, we were a little tight on time so we didn't go inside. What we did do was take some time for a leisurely walk around the outside. Tip: The Memorial is quite impressive when viewed from the outside; when you walk up the stairs you'll be treated to a pretty nice view from either side :-) Overall I'd say the Memorial is well worth a visit. Down the road, given the time, I'd like to return and tour the inside as well. As for others, I'd suggest that if you're going to visit here that you allow enough time to see both the inside and the outside in one trip. read more
10 months ago
4 years ago
In June of next year, 2024, it will have been 80 years since my 20 year old father stepped foot on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France and survived to marry my mother and create myself and my sister. He graduated IU Bloomington while in the ROTC in 1943 and immediately went into Officer's Candidate School. I think about that a lot and seek out and visit memorials dedicated to the "greatest generation." Even though this memorial was built primarily for veterans of the First World War it is still a must see destination, in my opinion, because the free museum covers every war beginning with a siege near Vincennes before the United States was a country and became independent of Great Britain and ends with all of the modern conflicts of the Middle East. This building is very impressive. Construction began after WW1 and was interrupted by WW2. The auditorium is currently under renovation. The seats have been removed and I saw workmen working on the floor tiles. But everything else is open, free and available. Outside, on the south side, it is 80 steps from the street level sidewalk to the shrine level. Inside, there is an elevator and a ramp to reach the summit where the shrine's altar is located. This is an extremely impressive room and structure. It looks like it belongs in our nation's capital. I don't think anything like this will ever be built again. I think everyone should see this at least once in their lifetime. The museum is very comprehensive. It covers the Revolutionary War, the Spanish War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, 9/11, The Iraq wars, and Afghanistan. The museum coverage focuses on Indiana's role and the Hoosiers that have fought in all the various wars and conflicts. There is a lot of attention to the USS Indianapolis heavy cruiser that carried the two atomic bombs and was sunk afterwards and the USS Indiana battleship. I think what impressed me the most was their extensive collection of uniforms, not just for soldiers and sailors, but for civilians as well. I was impressed by the woman from Indiana who was the first female Marine. Please check out the restrooms. Note that it says, "Gents" instead of Men. And that there is a "lounge" with stuffed sofas and chairs before going into the tiled restroom. This is how it was in the downtown movie theaters back when it was just one film showing per movie house decades before multiplex cinemas showed up in suburbia. The reason these lounges were provided for women was so they could adjust their stockings privately. I'm really showing my age here but it is what I remember about being a baby boomer in the 1950s and from what my mother told me. read more
It's titled as a memorial, and I dropped in towards the end of their hours to view the memorial shrine. However, the museum element comprises multiple floors and several rooms and a whole range of war history, which I regrettably had barely time to glance at. The memorial shrine is quite magnificent. I also noted with some amusement that the portrait of a French WWI leader looked remarkably like his presentation in the Netflix version of All Quiet on the Western Front. Moving on down to the museum rooms, they start with the original European exploration and settlement of what is now Indiana, and cover the whole range of wars (foreign wars at least, the Civil War wasn't a big focus). Notably, the U.S.S. Indianapolis was a major piece of naval history that is covered with a full room to itself here, but they also have 9/11, World War I, and everything else in between. There was no charge to enter, though a donation box was available. Part of a larger complex, this was an impressive structure, and I may well stop in for a more thorough perusal of the exhibits. As a native Washingtonian, I enjoy spending Memorial Day directing our veterans to their various spots in our nation's capitol. I am very familiar some of with the best military memorials and museums available, in various locales. I was nonetheless surprised and impressed at what I found in Indianapolis. read more
2 years ago
Just WOW! This is one of the best war museums I've ever visited. My husband and I spent several hours here. We were encouraged to start at the bottom and work our way up because that is the chronological border of the museum. I wish I had done the opposite. We always learn about early American wars, but I know so little about the wars from the last few decades. Make sure to save time for this section. read more
A few blocks north of Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, you will find the Indiana war memorial. The outside of the building alone is a spectacular work of architecture. Inside is even more magnificent. The entrance is located on the north side of the building. This is also where you will find a ramp. Inside there are many spectacular elements to see. The auditorium was spectacular. My next visit was up several stairs to the Shrine room. Immediately when you enter the shrine room you are greeted with an amazing American flag and as you look towards the ceiling you'll notice the magnificent star and several small blue stars. The presence of the American flag is inspiring. I could easily have sat in that room for hours. You will also notice several paintings of major Military leaders. After dragging ourselves away from the Shrine room we entered the museum area of the memorial. This area walks you through every war and major conflict that the United States was a part of. There were many things that we saw that made me reflect the sacrifice the men and women of this country went through for our freedom. This is a wonderful tourist destination in Indianapolis and it seems underrated for all that it has to offer. Not to mention that it is free! How many places can say that. You should give yourself at least an hour and a half or 2 hrs. I felt a little rushed because we went around lunchtime and I was getting too hungry to give it my full attention . This will be a must visit destination anytime I have visitors in town, but I definitely won't wait for them to go back! read more
We went here on a Sunday morning after hearing that this would be a good place to visit and learn more about Indianapolis. We parked at a street nearby (free parking) and walked over to the museum. It was a little chilly outside, and when we entered were quickly greeted by staff and directed to walk a specific way to get to the museum. There was no charge to enter the memorial. The museum has a collection of US military history spanning from the Revolutionary War to the Iraq War. It pays tribute to the men and women of the armed forces and recognizes their contributions. There's so much history to be found walking through these halls, and I was surprised to see the evolution of weapons and uniforms/wear in each conflict. There was also a staircase leading up to the top of the memorial that honored everyone that sacrificed their lives in WWII. read more
1 year ago
This is a must visit! I can't believe it took me this long to make it here. Entry is free. Come prepared to spend quite a bit of time. We were there an hour and barely saw much of it. Right now the WWII memorial and Korean area are closed. There are movies, exhibits and things to read. It just goes on and on. I cannot wait to come back. read more
Love to walk? Downtown Indianapolis is perfect on a sunny fall afternoon. Surprised to learn that Indianapolis has more war memorials than any other US city, with the exception of Washington, DC. Loved chatting with Manager Dezi at the Hampton Inn a few blocks away who recommended a visit to this collection of memorials and the mall. Originally conceived as a way to honor the veterans of World War I, it expanded to include memorials to those who fought and sacrificed their lives in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Cenotaph Square recognizes the first Hoosier to be killed in the line of duty in WWI. Veterans Memorial Plaza, which features a large central obelisk, is flanked by all fifty US State Flags. The War Memorial is the centerpiece of the plaza. The design is based on one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Built from Indiana limestone and featuring a huge bronze sculpture, known as Pro Patria, it is very impressive. At the southernmost lawn is the Depew Memorial Fountain. Alexander Stirling Calder created the bronze figures and the fountain. He is part of a long legacy of sculptors including his father, Alexander Milne Calder, and his son, Alexander "Sandy" Calder, who is known for his abstract monumental sculptures and mobiles. This urban park which spans five blocks is a nice place to spend an hour or two. Metered streetcar parking is available near the memorials. The Indiana War Memorial is closed on Monday and Tuesday. read more
7 years ago
This is a review for the outside of building. Once we're on the other side of this COVID ride, I promise to finally check out the inside. In the meantime, this is a beautiful spot to catch some fresh air, snag some steps and soak in four beautiful views of downtown. I especially love the view looking to the west over Meridian street with several buildings boasting historical facades. To the south and north, you'll see two of Downtow's larger green spaces- both are war memorials featuring monuments, benches, water fountains and shade. Once you find your way to the top of the monument steps, you can't help but notice the ornate doors and lion sculptures. During the warmer months, the monument is a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts in the wee hours of the morning. read more
2 years ago
My girlfriend and I visited the Indiana War Memorial Museum and I feel like it was a great experience. I'm someone who loves learning about history and I really enjoyed the collection of artifacts from both World Wars and the civil war. The museum did an excellent job of showcasing a few individual war stories and experiences of soldiers through different attractions. They showed us things like uniforms, weapons, and other gadgets. Each section was put near other things that related to them, and a lot of effort went into preserving these items. I found myself immersed in a lot of these displays, especially the ones focusing on local involvement in the wars. The museum's layout was well thought out, and easy to follow. The exhibits were detailed and I could probably spend hours there reading through different items historical context. I was impressed by the range of memorabilia, which ranged from small personal items to full on military vehicles. There was a lot of attention to detail and I learned more than I expected to. It was also quieter and less crowded than i expected it to be. The Indiana War Memorial is fascinating to people like myself, and being inside the monument was pretty cool. The museum is also located inside a historic building. The staff were friendly when I walked in to directing us where we wanted to go. I left feeling glad I went and would certainly go back. read more
Unfortunately, when we were in Indianapolis we the monument was not open. I understand the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District includes a 30,000 square foot museum complete with military equipment and artifacts, three parks, four fountains, and 25 acres of monuments, statues, and sculptures in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. read more
I prefer the Indiana wh**e memorial but if you do that kind of thing in Indiana, some will probably try and send you straight to the devil themselves. Hypocrisy is awesome. In fact this is a gorgeous Memorial which reminds me of some of the solemn and beautiful places in Washington DC. What I don't like is the way that these memorials are rarely negative towards War. It seems more celebratory as if dying due to International conflict or whatever is somehow a wonderful way to spend or waste a life. Then in other places they honor the leaders that send all these poor men and women to their deaths. Also I think these monuments would be infinitely more powerful and poignant if they would honour and/or list the dead on both sides. But nobody ever listens to me so what's the point me suggesting that. If it was just a little bit more conciliatory and less proud I would like it more, but aesthetically it is absolutely beautiful, that cannot be denied. read more
7 years ago
Did you know Indianapolis, IN is second only to Washington DC with memorials!? Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the circle which makes up the iconic Monument Circle or as Indy is known as the Circle City. There are monuments for every war including I and II, and others like the Medal of Honor Memorial and the 9-11 Memorial on the canal. The Korean and Vietnam Memorial commemorate the Indiana service men and women killed or missing in both wars. 923 names from the Korean war and 1,624 from Vietnam. read more
Glad I went and took the tour. I would like to think every state has/does something for their Veterans like this. The history and the things they do are so great and they seem to continue to add on. They are very adamant about keeping this memorial in its original state. When I first got to Indiana I thought this was City Hall or something. It wasn't until my involvement with a retirement ceremony (military) I knew what it was. They do allow for people to use it for free also. Hoping to bring my fiancé here also. I don't mind doing the tour again. read more
9 years ago
Wow-absolutely stunning inside! This was on my list of places to visit for years, but I'd never made it there until now. Think of this as two separate parts: one memorial and one museum. I never knew about the museum part until I went in. The building is also much larger than I realized. The memorial, specifically the Shrine room, is a thoughtful, reverent area. The stained glass is contrasts with the portraits and all of the marble and limestone. The location is what you see when you look at the memorial from the outside. Be prepared to walk up stairs to reach the Shrine room. It might be too much for those with mobility issues. The museum traces American war history from the Revolutionary period through the current conflict. The largest portion of the museum is devoted to WWI and WWII, which makes sense given that this memorial was constructed to honor WWI veterans. The U.S.S. Indianapolis is well represented here as well. Fair warning that this museum might trigger some people given that some of the exhibits have weapons facing the museum goer and recordings of explosions. A must see in Indianapolis. read more
While the outside of the Indiana World War Memorial (the "World" is often left out) is being renovated, it seemed like a good time to visit and check out the inside. The only entrance now is on the north side of the building at the top of the stairs. Upon entering, there is a beautiful entryway that has a replica of the Liberty Bell. Just beyond that is the entrance lobby where you can ask questions at the desk or head down the west hallway to enter the museum. Along the way, there is a beautiful auditorium that you can look at, but not go on the stage. The detail is gorgeous and shows a level of craftsman that is easy to appreciate. The museum is now designed to walk you through the lower level of the building, beginning with the battles in the Indiana Territory and progressing chronologically up to the present conflicts. There are lots of weapons and flags and tie-ins to Hoosier history in each of the sections. Highlights for me were seeing the recreation of a section of a trench that was key to the battles in WWI; seeing a full sized Cobra Attack Chopper from the Viet Nam War, and seeing numerous Hoosier Heroes. My only complaint is that the building was originally created for remembrance of World War I, so with every new war, space is appropriated to make room and in my opinion, leaves less for the older wars. Kind of lost history. I understand being inclusive and respectful, but lots of small tributes doesn't make it better than one clearly defined subject. It is still an interesting museum, just not what I particularly would like to see focused on. Review #1965 read more
5 years ago
We had a wonderful event at the War Memorial! There's so much space to have not only a dance floor, but cocktail area, and a buffet all set up with plenty of space for tables. The history at the memorial is all set up and can add something special to an event - especially one like ours that was hosting folks who work with veterans every day. read more
8 years ago
Excellent memorial! I love how it chronically takes you through the wars & talked about a lot of the Indiana vets! Lots & lots of info at this place! Anyone in the area should go to see it & be reminded that freedom is not free! Tons of stairs but tons of history inside & out. The pillars in the park across the street with the flags is great addition & the letters are so humbling. The homeless people hanging around is bothersome but not enough to not read these letters & bring you to tears. read more
I think this is the best kept secret in the city! There is so much to see and do inside of the Indiana War Memorial. Not only are the outside grounds beautiful but everything inside the building is exquisite. There is a museum inside, it tells you all about the USS Indianapolis. It has a lot of really interesting information. We saw this prior to seeing the USS Indianapolis Memorial along the canal. That gave the memorial so much more meaning. There is a replica radio room inside the War Memorial. If you go during daytime hours, you can speak with actual war veterans who still use the equipment today. They explained how the frequencies work, how and why people use Morse code and showed which equipment they had restored themselves.It was actually really interesting! Finally, what is so exquisite about this building is the upstairs flag room. The room is massive, the flag is huge and it is really awe-inspiring. It's free to visit and I think everyone should! read more
15 years ago
This memorial is awesome: awe inspiring. From the outside, day or night, it looks great. There are almost always people there to enjoy the memorial itself, exercise, or chat. The interior is stunning. Take an hour or so to walk around inside sometime. I love it. There are several museum portions with displays of vehicles, and the central area is a place for quiet reflection. The lawn around it is a nice place to have a picnic. There's usually plenty of street parking nearby. I think it's beautiful inside. Despite being a bit of a lefty myself, I come from a family who is heavy on military service. I appreciate this space being here to honor those who have served. Please be respectful of the veterans that frequently visit this memorial. read more
10 years ago
I am 38 years old and am ashamed to say I have never stepped foot in this memorial. On 9/11 we decided to come here. First off it is beautiful. It is free and it is history. Oh and it is huge inside. There is a huge museum inside dedicated to every bean h of the military and every war. There are helicopters tanks posters etc. it really is amazing. Do not miss the Shrine room upstairs. It will take your breath away. read more
9 years ago
AMAZING - AWE INSPIRING- INSPIRATIONAL - HUGE - FREE!! Spent most of my life in this state and most of my adult life married to a member of the military and have never been here before this trip home. I knew he would enjoy it but was surprised that I did too as much as I did. The variety of actual things to look at read about and learn, feel the impact of the sacrifices made was amazing. So glad we spent the time we did here there were lots of things here we'll never forget, but the shrine upstairs tops it all. Couldn't get pictures to even come close to capturing the feelings in that room! read more
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More info about Indiana War Memorial
431 North Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Mile Square
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(317) 232-7615
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http://www.in.gov/iwm
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As of August 2025, admission is free and has been since the venue's opening.
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Indiana War Memorial - landmarks - Updated October 2026
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