Arts
Many of Indianapolis' cultural institutions are grouped together a few blocks from downtown in White River State Park, a green expanse with fountains, ponds, and sculpture gardens. Here, visitors can catch a concert, explore a museum, or rent a paddleboat. Among the park's attractions are the Indianapolis Zoo; the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, one of the nation's best showplaces of Native American and Western heritage and culture; and the NCAA Hall of Champions.
The Indianapolis Art Museum, one of the Midwest's best and largest art museums, has recently doubled its exhibition space, thanks to a $74-million expansion project. The museum includes works by El Greco, Rubens, and American and European Impressionist painters. Outside the building is the easily recognizable "Love" sculpture. Admission is free to the permanent collection.
The Indianapolis Symphony performs year-round in the elegant, restored, Hilbert Circle Theater, located in the heart of downtown. The Indianapolis Opera, Butler Ballet, and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra also offer a full September to May season of fine performances.
Conner Prairie, located about 30 miles north of the city, is a living history and frontier museum. Thirty-six, carefully restored buildings recreate Indiana pioneer life during the mid-1800s. Visitors here see firsthand how 19th century Indiana families spent their days, with craft demonstrations and reenactments of typical daily and special events. There's a Hoosier wedding celebration, an impromptu baseball game, and a working prairie pottery studio. In the summer, the orchestra performs their "Concert in the Prairie" series here. Music lovers can take a blanket and enjoy a concert under the stars.