We drove 2.5 hours for Newfield's Winterlights and it did not disappoint! Parking was easy and…read moreclose to the entrance. When we first arrived right at opening, it was really crowded and people were packed in so we went to Lilly House for a drink and by the time we got back out, people had spread out more. I really enjoyed the variety of light installations and there were plenty of great photo op areas. The shop had some very nice choices and was not packed like I expected. There was one person in front of us at the checkout but two employees, one doing the check out and the other wrapping up items and bagging them, made it a quick and efficient process. We enjoyed our trip so much that we're now looking into what other events are available throughout the year.

My husband and I had a great time at Newfields: A Place for Nature and the Arts. Newfields is a…read morecombination of the Lily House and gardens as well and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This is in one facility and is all included for one admission price. We started in the gardens. There is a large area to walk and enjoy nature. Make sure that you visit the Lily House and the surrounding grounds. The Indianapolis Museum of Art takes up the second and third floors of the building. There is lots to see here. Each area could take an entire day to properly experience. There is also a gift shop and cafe to check out. I highly recommend Newfields: A Place for Nature and the Arts!

What a fun place on a holiday with kids! It was crazy as it was free and a school holiday, but they…read morehad a ton of fun interactive events and booths for the kids. Our gang especially loved the rock painting and IMAX movie. We love that they also have a special reserved spot for eating or snacks. We brought our lunch so we're able to spend the whole day there and enjoy all the various activities. It is a big place so you can entertain lots of ages. We will be back!

The Indiana State Museum is a fabulous venue that archives state treasures and educates the public…read moreabout State history and resources. I take my granddaughters a couple times a year to visit the mastodons and mammoths, Indiana fossils, and other exhibits. Today, we visited Santa's house and rode the Snowfall Express Christmas Train. The fun ride takes the kids through an imaginary winter wonderland. Before the ride, Kid's can play with hands-on puzzles. Santa and Mrs. Claus invited the kids into their home and talk about their wishes. Parents could take photos or purchase Museum generated photos. (I did both.) Afterward, the kids enjoyed an interactive area on the first floor of the museum. The kids managed a sound track, made shadows behind a light screen and much more. They played (and learned) for over an hour. We had lunch in the Cafe. We get a 10% discount with our Museum membership. The food is good and reasonably priced. The staff is super friendly. Indoor parking in the garage is discounted for members. We go to all of the Museum's special events. We never miss GeoFest in February.

When you're a museum addict like me, you're looking for anything to see and experience. This was…read moremore art gallery than museum, as the nice lady was a bit surprised when I came in and asked to see the art. But with plexiglass and masks, plus the fact that I was the only one here made for an interesting experience. Lots of landscapes and a few portraits. Amazing interesting and the talent of the artist shines through. The gallery is a great collection of his works and worth a visit. Oh, and it's free. I agree with Ken's point. There are no captions or explanations with the pictures. Those would really help. Street parking and nothing for sale here. [Review 13519 overall, 838 of 2020.]

The museum is a daughter's tribute to the lifetime work of her father's passion for art. Alkis…read moreKeramidas is the sole artist in this free collection located at Vermont and College. During regular office hours (M-F 9-5), visitors may view the dozens of representative pieces in numerous styles in the gallery. The colorful and whimsical landscapes are from his native Greece as well as of time spent in Indiana. Most of the paintings are in bright autumn colors. But don't be fooled by the whimsy. Below the large paintings are a couple smaller paintings that have the most realistic water images I have ever seen in a painting! Absolutely amazing! Towards the back of the gallery are pieces that represent the dark experience and observations of the artist from World War II. The color and whimsy of the landscapes really contrast the dark tones of this part of the collection. The caricatures of each painting express the emotions that many of the people experienced during the period of war. The gallery also has a nook where other style of painting are represented. My only negative about the gallery is that there has been no attempt at labeling any of the pieces. Some of the signatures include year references, but otherwise, there is very little information. No flyers or handouts. The only information about the artist or any of his work is at the website. If they would add small descriptions for each piece, it would add to the experience for the viewer. Review #249

This is a great spot for locals and visitors alike! We stopped by from out of town thinking it…read morewould be a good winter activity for our little one while it's too cold to walk much outside. The conservatory exceeded our expectations! Admissions is affordable at $5 per person, but it was free the day we visited because of a reptile show! We got to see tortoises, skinks, salamanders, tarantulas, snakes, and more! Inside the conservatory, there are fish and a couple other critters permanently on display. The signage around the gardens is informative and interesting- and the plants are simply beautiful! So well cared for and healthy. I could have walked around the loop 5 times and noticed new things each time. There are several places to sit and relax throughout the gardens (we fed our baby on one of the benches). There is a restroom and coat racks- which you'll need because the gardens are quite warm! What a great find for the afternoon! Bonus that it's located right in a park, by a library, several cute places to stop and eat, and public art. The only downside I can think of is that there wasn't a ton of parking- probably more accessible when there isn't a special event going on!

There is something about plants and nature that brighten up my mood. I came here on a gloomy rainy…read moreday, and it was the perfect decision to lift up my spirits. It's close to the highway so easy access and near my house - double plus. The admission to get in was $4 per person, and they take card - another plus for being inexpensive. They have plants for sale and host events/activities, the lady working was friendly and explained all of that. They have brochures in the front as well. Inside is so astonishing, there is so much to see. It's so beautiful, I adore and admire all of it. I love how things are labeled and have informational tidbits about the plants. They have ponds with live fish and waterfalls around. They have a restroom and it had a window so of course there is a plant inside, I love it. I'll have to take note next time I go here that it was very warm inside, I felt very hot so dress accordingly. There is parking available. Check hours before coming, holidays vary.

I've wanted to visit the Eiteljorg for a while now so I'm glad I got to visit on MLK Free Day!…read more I won't give away too much of what's inside but there's a lot of artwork by artists who are Native to the North American landmass, inclusive of Inuit art. I liked the Jingle Rails special holiday exhibit which featured recreations of many landmarks across the United States with electric train sets moving throughout the exhibit. I shared a few of my favorite sights with this review. There is also a nice cafe that has a pretty full service menu. Since we already had lunch, we only stopped by for a soft drink. You can actually visit the cafe without visiting the full museum, and receipts to the cafe can actually validate the underground parking at the White River State Park!

You can still go to this season's Jingle Rails which ends on MLKJ Day. I borrowed a library pass…read moreand got my friend and me in as well as validated free parking. This is my 3rd visit ever, and this year was the funniest because of the seek and find game for a tattoo sticker or a piece of candy. It drew us to look at the details. This year the new exhibit is Route 66 and quite educational. It was my friend's first time to this exhibit.

Oldfields is one of my favorite spots to visit in Indianapolis. I visit a couple times each year,…read morebut my favorite time to visit is during the Christmas season when the mansion is decorated for the holidays. Oldfields was designed by noted architect, Lewis K. Davis, in 1910 for the family of Hugh Landon, an executive of Fletcher Trust. The Landon family lived in the house from 1913-1932, when the house was sold to J. Lilly, Jr. the Lillys donated the property to the Arts Association of Indianapolis in 1966, where it became part of the present day Newfields Art Museum. All this information is summarized in detail on placards in the basement of the home. The home is huge, of course, and has been restored and maintained to its 1913 glory. I like to imagine living in the home during the early days. There is a music room, library (built by Lilly), dining room, pantry, kitchen. The upstairs bedrooms are not opened to the public. Downstairs there is a billiards room and carriage house. Information about each room is described on small boards. Paintings of a young Ruth Lilly, adorn several walls. The back of the house overlooks the White River. Gardens surround the mansion and make a delightful springtime stroll. During Winterlights, the front grounds are filled with Christmas lights that dance to the music of the Indianapolis Symphony. In the basement, there is a small gift shop that sells the "shirt" and seasonal gifts. Admission to the museum (or Winterlights) includes a self guided walking tour of the mansion. The home is definitely worth a visit.

Amazing place to visit. There iis always something new and exciting to experience…read more The IMA is constantly changing with the guest's experience in mind.

I've been to two Moonlight events and will go back for future ones as well!…read more Is so nice to see everyone dressed up in themes and having fun like kids again! The food and drinks are always a hit! I love the small bites and samples of food and trying new places I might not have otherwise. The event is a fund raiser for a good cause so that makes it even better! Each year the theme is different. One event was roaring 20s and the next was enchantment. Nice thing is that you can do as little or as much as you want with the theme. I've seen people go all the way into a character and people dress casually. The only sore spot is when a place runs out of food. Especially early in the evening and you didn't get a chance to try. But there are so many spots to sample and also tons of games and activities and photo ops all around.

A time was had!…read more Museum by Moonlight at the Children's Museum is such fun! If you're a kid at heart this is the place you want to be! The fun ranges from getting to play with all of the interactive activities at the museum, to exploring the exhibits child free, and having a nice cocktail and giggling with your friends while you walk around and reminisce. There are yummy snacks to sample from local eateries and you will love moving from Florida floor enjoying each of the unique treats. And don't forget - the DJ keeps the party going all night, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

Went to Hook's during the State Fair and got to Chocolate Caramel Coffee float and loved it! It was…read moreperfectly sweet and had a great sweets to coffee ratio. The inside was old and historical. It was very cool and worth the trip.

The town I grew up in actually had a Hook's Pharmacy that we used to go to all the time. It's…read morereally neat to see that the Hook's Historic Drug Store is open during the fair. It's air conditioned which is a major plus and it feels so good! It opened in 1966 and as of August 2021 they've had 3 million visitors come through the doors! The inside is floor to ceiling with natural wood and takes you back in time. They have a lot of information about drugs they used backs then and it's a great way to learn and cool off at the same time. They just announced that this year for the 2022 Taste of the State Fair they will be offering a iced mocha coffee float! Sounds good! I always get one of those long licorice ropes and one of the great ice cream floats anytime I've been there. They sell New York egg creams which doesn't have eggs in them at all. It's soda water, ice cream and syrup. Basically if you're wanting some deliciousness and something cold pick one of the many floats they offer.

I have been to two exhibitions at the museum. The staff is extremely helpful. The building is…read moreextremely handicapped accessible. The graduate students are extremely gifted and developed great exhibits for the public. One exhibition was African art and another was Holocaust artists from q940-1970. You will discover many treasures here. Your greatest challenge will be parking.

I purchased a pack of cards of things to do in Indiana. This card lead us to the museum in…read moreBloomington. The museum was much bigger than we thought it would be. It was very well presented. We took a small one hour tour that highlighted 3 works of art. It was lead by a student. The pace could have been quicker and more areas highlighted, but it was interesting non the less.

For those looking for the Museum at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (middle of Monument Circle)…read moreto find this museum, you are looking in the wrong place. Back in 2018, the collection was moved to the Indiana World War Monument (431 N Meridian) to provide more display space and to do repair work under the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. As of the time of this review, the collection has been moved for over a year and my thoughts are part of the review listed on that location. According to the staff working in the Soldiers and Sailors gift shop (located on the south side of the monument at the top of the steps), something new will occupy the space under the monument once repairs have been completed. It has not been released what will go in the space. Review #2581

How are there not more reviews of this place? Do you not know it is here? Read my review and then…read moreget your butt over there! This is a FREE MUSEUM, so that alone bumped up the stars to at least four. Add in the fact that the museum is Indiana-centric, in the basement of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, is dark and super creepy, has really cool artifacts including a chunk of tree trunk with a cannon ball stuck in it that soldiers cut from Gettysburg and brought back here, how could I not give it five stars?!?! - It's free, but don't be a jerk - donate a couple bucks. - You won't need much time. If you only skim the exhibits, you will be out in five minutes. Read every card and you might be there an hour. - Did I mention, please donate to this lovely free museum? - Read the medical treatment cards and be so grateful we live in a time of modern medicine. - Can't figure out where to get in? The entrance is on the southwest side of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (Monument Circle).