Indiana State Museum: It’s A-MAIZE-ING!

Since 1869, the Indiana State Museum has transformed from a collection of artifacts and Civil War memorabilia into a world-class institution that tells the story of Indiana’s history, science and culture. The museum’s state of the art facility in the White River State Park and thought-provoking exhibitions make for a visual and intellectual adventure. Upcoming exhibits like “Amazing Maize” and “The Endurance” will inspire thinkers of all ages to discover more about Indiana and the world.

An A-maize-ing Exhibit
After years of in-house research and development, the museum will finally be opening the doors of its new exhibit, Amazing Maize: The Science, History and Culture of Corn. This exhibit explores the relationship between people and corn, one of the most important crops of all time, and perhaps the greatest domesticated plant in Indiana. Corn has a “10,000 year genetic journey,” and thus is more than just a tasty addition to a Hoosier dinner; corn can be found in more than 4,200 different foods, industrial products, and even fuel. Maize, as it is called in most of the world, has an immeasurable impact on daily life in Indiana and worldwide, and this exhibit aims to capture that. Amazing Maize is open to the public from Sept. 24, 2011 to Jan. 20, 2013.

An Antarctic Expedition Comes to Indy
In 1914, Sir Edmund Shackleton led a nearly fatal expedition to Antarctica that has fascinated people across the world ever since. An epic tale of man vs. the elements, Shackleton’s story is sure to captivate and amaze – he and his crew were trapped in packed ice for nearly 18 months, and every person survived. The Indiana State Museum’s exhibit features over 150 actual photographs from the expedition, and will challenge visitors to imagine life when stranded in Antarctica. The bestselling book about this struggle for survival, called Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, can be found in Indiana Humanities’ Novel Conversations collection, and can be borrowed by book clubs across the state.

The “Soul of Indiana”
This institution is not just a museum, it is Indiana’s most experienced storyteller. This can be seen in its varied statewide presence, including more than 542,000 cultural and natural history items, an IMAX theater, visiting exhibitions, two restaurants, 11 State Historic Sites, and more. The museum even offers a variety of programs, such as a comprehensive boat-building workshop, quilting sessions, and popcorn experiments! In 2009, more than 600,000 visitors wandered throughout the exhibits, and that doesn’t include those who visited the pre-historic and historic archaeological locations, buildings, and parks that make up the State Historic Sites. Through innovative programming and design, the Indiana State Museum is actively working to engage citizens in Indiana science, history and culture.

Plan your visit!

Indiana State Museum
650 West Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Hours
Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.*
Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

*Check calendar for exceptions

Prices vary. Click here for more info about admission to the museum, IMAX, and more.