This is part of a series of reviews from my time in Indianapolis this past weekend.  Growing up in southwest Ohio, one of the major projects we had to do ( a couple of years) in school was a study of Native American culture.  Several tribes have trekked across the area that I live in and the culture is so rich – while I may not have fully enjoyed having to do the work, the knowledge gained was worth it.  I was excited to see that there is an American Indians and Western Art museum in Indy, so it was top on the list to visit.

**Be sure to check out Anthony’s (PR manager) comment after the review.  He shares some good information that I missed on my trip.**

Here’s the specs:

Eiteljorg Museum
500 W Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317.636.9378
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The Eiteljorg, pronounced “I-tell-zhorg”, Museum is located right along White River State Park.  This makes it easy to access from pretty much anywhere in Downtown Indy, whether by car or on foot.  We got there on foot, so I can’t comment on the underground parking garage, but the woman at the counter asked if we were parked down there, so I’m thinking there’s a discount or voucher they offer.  Museum hours are Mon-Sat 10a-5p and Sunday noon-5p.  Sometimes this can vary depending on events in the city, so call ahead to double-check.

A lot of it is art – paintings, sculptures, etc. Some are examples of handmade items such as textiles, pottery, weaponry, and beadwork.  If you are into that kind of stuff, then this is a really neat museum.  On the second floor, there is a full gallery depicting native tribes from around the continent.  Historical details and traditional clothing, art, shelters, and lifestyles are shown throughout the exhibit.  I personally love history, so this was a really interesting part for me.

There was an interesting exhibit on the 1st Floor called “Red/Black” and it was all about Native and African American combined heritage and multi-ethnicity.  One thing that I liked about this exhibit is how they show a person’s ethnic identity as being their culture and something personal, rather than a person’s blood and physical features.  As a Christian, I believe that all people come from Noah and his wife and therefore, there are not different ‘races’ of man, but one race with many cultures.

This wasn’t my favorite part of my trip, but I think I just wasn’t in the right mindset.  We didn’t plan to spend a lot of time there and maybe would have done better to eat in the cafe as well.  Also, I didn’t see anything for kids, and though I am an adult, I learn a lot from the creative exhibits made to help children learn.  They seem to have a lot of community events going on in partnership with the museum.  One such event is West Fest 2011, which will be September 24, 2011.  Check out the website for more information!

So here’s the breakdown:

The museum:  It’s an art museum, mostly, and then there are informational exhibits on native American tribes across the continent.  It’s quiet except for some of the kids who were dragged through it with parents and we crying to be let out.  I didn’t blame them.  Some photography is allowed, but you have to check the entrance to the exhibit to see if there is a “no cameras” sign.
For kids: I didn’t see much for kids to do.  Granted, we didn’t explore all of the museum, but from the sounds of kids who were going through the primary exhibits and areas, it didn’t sound like much fun.  Not sure I would have enjoyed it as a kid either.  Not much to touch or explore, although there was one spot you could build your own mini-teepee (a little high for younger kids to reach, though).  Check the website if you want more info for family features.
The cost:  It’s a moderately-priced museum.  Adults are $8.  Seniors, 65+ are $7. Kids 5-17 and college students (with ID) are $5.  Kids under 5 are Free, as are Members (about $50 for one year) and IUPUI folk.
The food: Sky City Cafe is in the museum with access from the outside.  We didn’t eat there since we had just had some delicious Cuban food downtown, but from the menu, the options are mostly around sandwiches from about $8-$9.50 each of the southwestern style.  There are also some salads and a Mexicana section.  I went to a native American museum in Wichita and they had traditional Indian food, which was fun.  I don’t see anything like that on this menu.
The help:  Attendant at the admissions counter tried every way possible to get us a discounted ticket. If you are staying at a hotel in the city, you can get a dollar knocked off the price.  One woman in the Red/Black exhibit kind of rudely told me to put away my camera, but I didn’t take it too personally.
The parking: Parking garage underground, parking at White River State Park, and parking at various garages throughout the downtown. If you park in the State garage, know that you can only use cash to pay.
The accommodations: It’s an Art Museum, comfort isn’t really high on the priority list, but there are a lot of pretty things to look at.
Returnability:  I probably won’t go back. I feel like I saw enough of the museum.  The Museum Store had a lot of neat things though, especially some traditional tea blends (my favorite is the Warrior Brew). I’m pretty sure you can go in there without getting a ticket to the museum.

This is part of a series of reviews from my time in Indianapolis this past weekend.  It has been ages since I’ve been to the Children’s Museum and the last memory I have of it, I stubbornly did not want to leave the puppet show with my family and so purposely missed the elevator, leading my family on a wild goose chase.  This time, though no family was with me and we are about 22 years beyond that trip, I had to promise that I would not let myself get lost.

Here are the specs:

Indianapolis Children’s Museum
3000 N. Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46208
1.800.820.6214
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The museum hours are typically 10a-5p daily until Labor Day, and the same hours Tues-Sun through Feb 2012.  However, we were lucky enough to be in town on the 1st Thursday of the month which means, FREE FAMILY NIGHT!  The museum opens for a special 4-8p time with free admission.  We got there around 5:30 and the parking garage was packed as were the first few parking lots, and the museum was packed as well, but it was worth it!

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There are several special exhibits.  One being DINOSAURS, as evident of the building as you are approaching it.  It’s all about digging and exploring and going back into history.  As a creationist, however, this exhibit misses the mark when it begins going on about millions and billions of years.  That’s a different point that doesn’t need to be discussed here.  If you would like more info about it, though, you can check out this site: http://answersingenesis.org/.

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Another cool exhibit was about Egypt!  Having been there a couple years ago, I’ve seen my fair share of the relics and the touristy spots of Cairo – I also really enjoy history and so have gone to see other Egypt-y exhibits and watched documentaries about the history.  We all have had the pharoanic exposure and mummies and mysteries of ancient Egyptian history.  However, the children’s museum took a really unique and gratifying look at modern life in Egypt.  The photo to the right is of a traditional ceremony welcoming a new baby into the family and world.  I liked a saying that was on the wall as you left the exhibit: “When we get to know how people in other cultures live their daily lives, we can accept and respect our neighbors – next door or around the world.”

They also had a cool exhibit called Treasures of the Earth by National Geographic.  This one ran the gamut of discovering and restoring terra cotta soldiers in Xi’an, China to recovering treasure and artifacts off a pirate ship in the Caribbean.  It took me back to the days I spent watching and playing the game Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Oh, I miss that show.  Oh and for the girls…I mean, the girlie girls…there’s also an exhibit on Barbie.  But seeing as neither me nor my friend were really inclined towards Barbies, we did not go in, so I can’t comment on it.

The last special thing I want to mention is the Fireworks of Glass exhibit.  This amazing piece of artistry is the focal point of the roundabout ramps which lead people to the various levels of the museum.  It’s permanent and deliciously colorful!  It stands 43 feet tall and includes 3,200 individually blown glass pieces in the tower by artist Dale Chihuly.  From below the tower, you can also sit on a rotating couch that will allow you to look above at all the colors and various types of glass pieces.  There is a chart on the wall of some special kinds to allow you to spend an hour on a scavenger hunt of sorts.

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Last but not least is one of my favorite parts of the museum.  I remember being amazed by it as a little kid and knowing more of what I do about physics and science, I’m even more curious about how it works.  It’s called the Water Clock and it helps keep the museum time going ship-shape. It’s mesmerizing to watch the pendulum swing back and forth, adding water into the pipes, shooting back and forth to keep the seconds, minutes, and hours.

So here’s the breakdown:

The museum:  It’s a great time for the whole family.  There were so many parents and kids running all over the place – the organized chaos is something unique that this museum is able to create. 
The cost:  Well, since I got in free, I kind of feel that anything else is too expensive, but alas, here’s the cost list:  Ages 2-17: $11.50. Ages 18-59: $16.50. Seniors 60+: $15.50. 
The food: I didn’t check out the cafe, but looking at the website, it seems that they take care to make food and snacks healthy and tasty.  They take cash, Visa, Mastercard and American Express.  They are just fine with people bringing their own food to enjoy in the food court area.
The help:  The people were very helpful.  Since we were there on a free evening, there was a lot going on.  It’s said that they even give out emergency diapers at the Help Desk.
The parking: There is a parking garage right across the street from the museum but also several lots down the street which are dedicated to museum visitors. 
The accommodations: One big place.  I didn’t feel crowded at all. Places to sit down and and such.
Returnability:  I totally did not see there was a planetarium until we were walking passed it on our way out.  I want to go back to see that.  It would probably be funner with kids in tow, which I have none, so I was able to be a kid myself (in a lot of ways, more fun).