Indiana State Museum

Indiana State Museum

Indianapolis, IN

Located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, the 276,000 sq. ft. museum incorporates the existing 42,000 sq. ft. IMAX theater to create the focal point of the Park’s museum complex. The Indiana State Museum is situated on the historic National Road between the NCAA Hall of Champions and Headquarters and the Eiteljorg Museum.

Client
Indiana State Office Building Commission
Size
276,000 SF
Completed
2002

Rather than being merely a container for the 70,000 sq. ft. of exhibits, the building’s forms and materials integrate with the exhibits to reinforce the museum experience. The massing of the building expresses a sense of the “Hoosier” personality, combining conservative strength with a contrary spirit. The building’s circulation system utilizes a simple north / south and east / west axial system, alluding to the State’s motto, the “Crossroads of America.” Materials indigenous to the State, including limestone, sandstone, stainless steel, brick, extruded aluminum, and glass coalesce to form the museum’s unique identity.

The State Museum depicts the many “Stories of Indiana.”