Spring at The Indiana State Museum

Yes, it may still be snowing outside but Spring is on it’s way! Indiana State Museum has an amazing line up for the months of February-April. Several new exhibits and programs are in the works and they want you to come check them out!

Exhibits

Color of Style – open March 16 through July 28

Who we are shapes how we dress – and the colors we choose to wear. In this new experience, learn how perceptions of color have changed over time and see incredible outfits from the museum’s collection. Discover which color best defines you, let your creativity shine in the Style Studio, and find your perfect Instagrammable moment in this experience that’s all about playing with color and style. Supported by the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis.  

Registration for all programs is required 3 days in advance of each event unless otherwise noted. Museum admission is not included but can be purchased for a discounted group rate unless otherwise noted. Go online and find the event date at indianamuseum.org/calendar or call 317.232.1637 to register.

February 

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Messy Mondays (ages 2-5)

• Feb. 18, 10 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m.
• $7/members, $10/non-members
• Looking for something fun to do with your little ones on Presidents Day? Bring them to Messy Mondays to get a little messy while enjoying STEAM activities on a variety of topics. Supported by PNC.

Small Wonders: Color Creation (ages 3-5)

• Feb. 20 & 23, 10 to 11 a.m.
• $9 members/$12 non-members
• Bring your little one to learn, play and discover in the museum. This month, learn all about color by mixing with water colors and exploring fabrics and textures. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Supported by PNC.

Young Explorers: Exploring Air (ages 4-6)

• Feb. 23, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• $10 members/$13 non-members
• Drop off your child at a class to encourage creativity, exploration and independence in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination. This month, children will study the air around them through wind power, air-based art and more. Children may attend on their own. Supported by PNC.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS    

Indiana Art Fair

• Feb. 9 & 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Included with purchase of general admission
• Experience – and purchase – art made right here in the Hoosier state. Choose from an array of traditional and contemporary fine art and crafts from dozens of vendors. Support established and up-and-coming artists, and see live demonstrations as artists create. Supported by the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis.

Signature Event: GeoFest

• Feb. 15-17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Included with purchase of general admission; $5/admission for scouts and their families
• Buy jewelry, fossils, cut and uncut gemstones and minerals from all over the world, from more than 20 vendors! Explore interactive activities around the museum, including jewelry making or creating your own pet rock.

School’s Out! Presidents Day

• Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• FREE admission
• Looking for some fun on your school holiday? Join us for a presidential celebration and help Kennedy design a rocket for the moon, assist Eisenhower in developing a new transportation system and help Jefferson purchase Louisiana.

ADULT PROGRAMS    

New Event: Abe the Babe (ages 21+)

• Feb. 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• $10/members, $15/non-members
• Was Abraham Lincoln a babe? What were the societal norms for courtship in his time – and what do stories reveal about the ups and downs of his love life? Join the discussion and celebrate Abe’s 210th birthday and an early Valentine’s Day. Create an Abe-inspired Valentine for the Mary Todd in your life. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. Purchase tickets on-site with credit card, online or by calling 317.232.1637.

Discovery on Draft: Costumes (ages 21+)

• Feb. 20, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Free, donations encouraged
• Centerpoint Brewing Company, 1125 E. Brookside Ave., Suite 2B, Indianapolis
• Adults are invited to engage in conversations with local experts and academics on a variety of topics in this program series that takes place at breweries around Indianapolis. This month, learn how costume design intersects with storytelling in the realm of superheroes.

March

EARLY CHILDHOOD    

Little Learners: Butterflies & Bees (ages 3-5)

• March 5, 9:45 to 11:30 a.m.
• $8/members, $10/non-members, free for children younger than age 3
• Homeschool families can bring their littlest learners to a class created just for them. This month, little ones will learn about butterflies and bees, and enjoy free-choice play. Children must be accompanied by an adult; younger siblings welcome. Supported by PNC. 

Small Wonders: Art of Storytelling (ages 3-5)

• March 13 & 16, 10 to 11 a.m.
• $9 members/$12 non-members
• Bring your little one to learn, play and discover in the museum. This month, your child will explore the art of storytelling and tell stories using puppets. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Supported by PNC.

Young Explorers: Messy March (ages 4-6)

• March 16, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• $10 members/$13 non-members
• Drop off your child at a class to encourage creativity, exploration and independence in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination. This month, your child will become an artist, engineer or scientist as they participate in messy STEAM activities. Children may attend on their own. Supported by PNC.

Messy Mondays (ages 2-5)

• March 25, 10 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m.
• $7/members, $10/non-members
• Looking for something fun to do with your little ones over spring break? Bring them to Messy Mondays to get a little messy while enjoying STEAM activities on a variety of topics. Supported by PNC.

YOUTH PROGRAMS    

Homeschool Tuesdays: Butterfly Life Cycle (ages 6-13)

• March 5, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• $8/members, $10/non-members
• Dive into a world of investigation and discovery during these two-hour classes designed to stimulate an interest in science, art, history and culture. This month, learn about insect life science and the role of pollinators. 

Girl Scouts: Create & Innovate

• March 9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 3 p.m.
• $12/scouts, $1/adults
• What inventions do you use every day to make your life easier? Find out how these items are created with you in mind, then invent something new for yourself. The morning session is for scouts in grades 2-3 to earn their Inventors badge. The afternoon session is for scouts in grades 4-5 to earn their Product Design badge. Registration is required two weeks prior to the event by calling Kendra Nowell at 317.924.6811.

Scouts of America: Indiana Rocks!

• March 16, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 3 p.m.
• $12/scouts, $1/adults
• Grab your gloves and digging tools and discover what stories Indiana’s rocks and minerals can tell us. Unearth the wonders of geology by exploring the Birth of the Earth gallery and learn how different rocks are connected through the rock cycle. The morning session is for scouts ages 11-18 to earn their Geology Merit badge. The afternoon session is for scouts ages 5-10 to earn their Earth Rocks! Adventure badge. Registration is required two weeks prior to the event by calling 317.232.1637.

Spring Break Camps (grades K-6)

• March 25-29, April 1-5; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• $45/members per day, $50/non-members per day; $5 sibling discount
• Before and after care available for an additional fee
• This spring break, sign up your child to explore a different topic every day, including cardboard creations, science of color, duct tape fashion, garden to lunchtime, astronomy, citizen science and more. 

Explore Without Boundaries (ages 3-10)

• March 26, 10 to 11 a.m.
• $7/youth members, $10/youth non-members
• Extend your family’s sensory-friendly morning by attending this special program specifically designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), sensory processing differences and other special needs. Enjoy musical storytelling, sensory art and other activities.

Easy DIY Batik Fabric Workshop (ages 8-12)

• March 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• $15/members, $20/non-members
• Create a piece of fabric in the ancient batik style after being inspired by the vibrant pieces in the Color of Style experience. Design beautiful symbols filled with personal color choices that represent your style.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS    

Kids Curate

• March 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Included with purchase of general admission 
• What would a museum experience created by kids look like? See for yourself what real 6th-grade students from Center For Inquiry #2 came up with as you explore mini exhibits themed around bees, wacky Indiana, Indiana legends, and students of the past, present and future. Play with interactives and talk to the junior curators themselves.

New Event: Family Night Out: Carnival of Color

• March 22, 6 to 9 p.m.
• $5/members, $10/non-members, free for children younger than age 3
• It’s time for a color explosion! Come dressed in your most lavish colors to take part in a celebration that would put a peacock to shame. Experience the new exhibit, Color of Style, meet local fashion designers, try dyeing fabric, create a paintball mural and experiment with your own color combinations. Purchase tickets on-site with credit card, online or by calling 317.232.1637. Supported by the Arther Jordan Foundation.

Sensory-friendly Mornings at the Museum

• March 26, 9 to 10 a.m.
• Included with purchase of general admission
• This morning allows individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences to have a fun, enjoyable and interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. During this special hour, museum lights will be at a lower level, extra sounds will be limited, distracting motions or equipment will be paused, and sensory-friendly activities will be offered in the galleries. No registration required.

ADULT PROGRAMS    

The Ultimate Engineering Challenge (ages 21+)

• March 14, 7 to 10 p.m.
• $10/members, $15/non-members
• Do you have mad engineering or design skills? Then pull together a team of your best DIY friends and put your skills to the test competing for the ultimate bragging rights. Your challenge will be to design, engineer and build a Pi-day themed structure inspired by 3.14. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. 

Discovery on Draft: Fabric Dyeing and Design (ages 21+)

• March 20, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Free, donations encouraged
• Indiana City Brewing Co., 24 Shelby St., Indianapolis
• Adults are invited to engage in conversations with local experts and academics on a variety of topics in this program series that takes place at breweries around Indianapolis. This month, join a discussion on the art of fabric dyeing and clothing design.

New Event: Fashion Social (ages 21+)

• March 28, 7 to 10 p.m.
• $10/members, $15/non-members
• Stylists, fashionistas, and designers: Join this adult social event to mingle with some favorite local artists to celebrate our newest exhibit, Color of Style. Meet local artists and designers, explore the exhibits, and show off your own stylish accessories. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Buy tickets on-site with credit card, online or by calling 317.232.1637

April

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Messy Mondays (ages 2-5)

• April 1, 10 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m.
• $7/member, $10/non-member
• Looking for something fun to do with your little ones overs spring break? Bring them to Messy Mondays to get a little messy while enjoying STEAM activities on a variety of topics. Supported by PNC.

Little Learners: Indiana Animals (ages 3-5)

• April 9, 9:45 to 11:30 a.m.
• $8/members, $10/non-members; free for children younger than age 3
• Homeschool families can bring their littlest learners to a class created just for them. This month, little ones will learn all about animals, from their own backyards to the Ice Age. Children must be accompanied by an adult, with younger siblings welcome. Supported by PNC.

Small Wonders: Cardboard Engineering (ages 3-5)

• April 10 & 13, 10 to 11 a.m., April 10 & April 13
• $9 members/$12 non-members
• Bring your little one to learn, play and discover in the museum. This month, your child will engineer their own creation out of cardboard. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Supported by PNC.

Young Explorers: Cardboard Engineering (ages 4-6)

• April 13, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• $10 members/$13 non-members
• Drop your child off at a class to encourage creativity, exploration and independence in an environment that fosters curiosity and imagination. This month, your child will construct something new out of cardboard and hear the story, “Not a Box.” Children may attend on their own. Supported by PNC.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Homeschool Tuesdays: Spring Safari

• April 9, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• $8/members, $10/non-members 
• Dive into a world of investigation and discovery during these two-hour classes designed to stimulate a child’s interest in science, art, history and culture. This month, learn about weather and nature in springtime Indiana.

Girl Scouts: Puppet Play

• April 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.(grades 1-3); April 13, 1 to 3 p.m. (grades 4-8)
• $12/scout, $1/adult 
• Learn about the history of puppetry and create your very own shadow puppet. Using the elements of a story, construct a character and put on a puppet show. This program is part of the SciGirls program series. Reservations are required by March 30 by calling Kendra Nowell at 317.924.6811.

Scouts of America: Ecology & You

• April 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (ages 11-17, Environmental Science Merit Badge); April 27, 1 to 3 p.m. (ages 6-11, Sustainability Merit Badge)
• $12/scout, $1/adult
• How do you contribute to air, water and land pollution, and how does this affect ecosystems? Evaluate your use of natural resources and explore how we can reduce our carbon footprint. Registration required by April 13 at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637. Supported by 3M.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Signature Event: Pinewood Derby®

• April 2-7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; race day on April 6
• Included with purchase of admission  
• On your mark, get set…for the (second) greatest spectacle in racing! Race your cars on our two-story, 125-foot race track and see how fast your car can fly. The track is open to the public April 2-5 and April 7, with race day April 6. All cars must be registered to race by 1 p.m. on race day. Cars must be entered by 2 p.m. for the ‘Best in Show’ visual design competition. This program is presented in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America, Crossroads of America Council. 

Courageous Conversations

• April 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• $5/person 
• Join your neighbors to talk about contemporary community topics in this moderated discussion. A variety of social justice topics will be discussed, and panel representatives will offer a wide array of opinions. This program is intended for high school-aged students and adults. Tickets can be purchased in advance at indianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or by credit card at the door.

Eco Science Fair 

• April 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Included with purchase of general admission; free for K-12 students
• Innovative Hoosier students are invited to propose solutions to global climate issues. Students can submit science fair projects on a range of topics including aquaculture, composting, social awareness, urban farming, alternative energy and recycling initiatives in their schools and communities. Presented by Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. Supported by 3M.

Family Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt

• April 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• $4/members, $5/non-members; free for children younger than age 3 
• Celebrate the Easter holiday with a family egg hunt, special activities, hippity-hoppity performances and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. With purchase of museum admission, continue the family fun by visiting the galleries to spot the 92 eggs the Easter Bunny left throughout the museum or create your own unique Easter basket in Cardboard Engineering. Tickets can be purchased in advance atindianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or at the ticket counter. 

ADULT PROGRAMS

New Event: Maximum Velocity (ages 21+)

• April 4, 7 to 10 p.m.
• $10/members, $15/non-members
• Start your engines and shift into gear as you race a wooden car down our 125-foot race track during Pinewood Derby®!  Whether you’re a novice, pro or veteran, everyone can participate in these fun runs just for adults. Bring your own car, borrow a premade car or purchase a kit at the event to build your very own. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased in advance atindianamuseum.org or by calling 317.232.1637, or by credit card at the door.

Discovery on Draft: Climate Change (ages 21+)

• April 17, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Free, donations encouraged
• Metazoa Brewing Company, 140 S. College Ave., Indianapolis
• Adults are invited to engage in conversations with local experts and academics on a variety of topics in this program series that takes place at breweries around Indianapolis. This month, join a discussion on climate change. 

The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.