We’re still feeling some pretty chilly days, but spring is tip-toeing in. Read on for information about exhibits open now at some of Indy’s great museums.
Children’s Museum
3000 North Meridian Street
The carousel, the wall-busting dinosaurs, the exhibits that delight and educate: The Children’s Museum really has it all. Recent attractions include the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, a Disney Jr. show and now a museum exhibit for the first time. Developed by the museum, the exhibit is on display until September 1. Standout experiences include In the Kitchen with Minnie, which offers a chance to decorate a birthday cake for Pluto, or In the Garage with Daisy where kids can help paint Pluto's doghouse, arrange flowers, or design a quilt for the birthday pup. Call 317-334-4000 for more information or visit The Children’s Museum’s website for details, including exhibit times and sensory information.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
4750 West 16th Street
Lots of folks are gearing up for the 109th running of the Indy 500 at the end of May. Before the west side fills with ticket holders and traffic, take a gander at one of the rotating exhibits at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Named for former race car driver and current team owner Chip Ganassi, the eponymous gallery is home to Best of the Best: The Four-Time Winners. Open through November, the gallery celebrates A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and Helio Castroneves, the only people to have each won The 500 four times. Museum visitors can see the drivers’ winning cars, racing gear, and more. The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Call 463-244-2680 for more information or check out the museum’s website.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
500 West Washington Street
The Eiteljorg is home to many wonderful collections of work that showcase the American West and indigenous people in North America. One very new exhibit, the
Radical Stitch Indigenous Contemporary Beadwork Exhibition, opens on April 12 and runs through August 3 and takes a look at intricate beaded art and its impact on the cultural and political spectrums. Opening day activities include a panel discussion with the Radical Stitch artists and exhibit curators, as well as family-friendly fun like a make-and-take beaded jewelry activity. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 12:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 317-636-9378 or visit the Eiteljorg online.
This is definitely not an exhaustive list of all the museums Indy has to offer. If Mickey Mouse, race cars, or beads aren’t your thing, find your niche at Newfields or stride into the state museum. Indy’s got a little something for absolutely everyone.