Indiana War Memorial & Museum Tours and Activities

Name after name after name. The lists of Americans who fought and died for freedom and justice in World War I is long. In the early twentieth century, the residents of Indiana built an impressive war memorial at the centre of their city to honour the courage and dedication of their war veterans. The nine-hectare plaza is rivalled in size and scope only by the National Mall in Washington D.C., and today the site in downtown Indianapolis is home to three parks, soaring monuments and two museums.The Indiana War Memorial stands as the plaza’s profound centrepiece. Designed to resemble a neoclassical temple, the columns and heavy stone bricks give the whole site a sense of gravitas and significance. A visit to this plaza will show you just how seriously the people here take their national remembrance how their veterans of many wars are honoured to this day.In the lower level of the memorial, a collection of hundreds of military battle flags and a timeline of weaponry show how warfare has changed from the times of the Civil War. It also shows how battles waged over different lines and commemorates lives were lost and victories won.Upstairs in the memorial, the focus changes to peace and unity. The light of a Swedish crystal, the ‘Star of Destiny’ guides the nation - represented by 24 pillars made from red Vermont marble and enormous flag - out of bloodshed and towards peace.The plaza is adorned with monuments, statues and fountains to explore. For the best perspective of the memorial, the park and the city skyline, climb the 331 stairs or take the lift to the very top of the soaring Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The beautiful views of the plaza and cityscape will bring your gaze back to the present realities of life.