Celebration Crossing
Indiana State Museum

It’s all aboard for holiday magic and memories at the Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing! On opening day (Nov. 29), see Santa Claus arrive in style at 11 a.m., coming in via helicopter. He and Mrs. Claus will welcome you and your family inside the museum and light the magnificent 25-foot 92 County Tree. The Snowfall Express 18-passenger train takes visitors on a journey through a snowy forest filled with music, movement and wonder, where charming woodland characters come to life within the whimsical wintertime scenes.

Elsewhere in the museum, you can participate in hands-on activities in Santa’s Front Yard and the Reindeer Barn, enjoy performances by local choirs and ensembles at Holiday Sounds and see the original Santa Claus Express train that came from the downtown Indianapolis L.S. Ayres store in 1991. Plus, you can enhance your holiday visit by reserving additional experiences like the new adults only Sippin’ with Santa, Santa’s Holiday Breakfast, Snowflake Pajama Party, Winter Wonderland Workshop, Family New Year’s Eve and more.
ENJOY LUNCH AT OUR HISTORIC TEA ROOM
Treat friends and family to a decadent and nostalgic lunch buffet in the beloved L.S. Ayres Tea Room™ at the Indiana State Museum, where you can indulge in favorites including chicken velvet soup, tea-time sandwiches, miniature desserts and more. Open daily *Nov. 29-Jan. 5 Seating at 11am and 11:15am, 12:30pm and 12:45pm
Plan Your Visit Today!
Hours of Operation

Open daily, Nov. 29-Jan. 5, 10 am- 5 pm (closed Christmas Day)

Parking & Accessibility

Parking

Parking is available in the attached White River State Park underground garage on Washington Street and in nearby garages, or in the White River State Park south lot. For more information about other parking locations in the area, visit the Indianapolis Downtown parking site.

Accessibility

The Indiana State Museum provides reasonable modifications to ensure it does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services or activities. We understand that visitors’ needs vary and our visitor services staff is available to help you make the most of your visit.

Mobility

  • Accessible parking is available in the White River State Park underground garage. This location offers ADA compliant designated parking spaces with signage on both levels. For raised roof vans, the upper level of the garage can accommodate a height of 8 ft., and the lower level 7 ft.
  • Curb cuts are located at the corners near and surrounding sidewalks leading to the Indiana State Museum.
  • Manual wheelchairs of varying size are available free of charge at the Information Station on level one.
  • Elevators to all levels of the museum and IMAX® Theater are ADA compliant.
  • There are ADA compliant restrooms on all levels with a family restroom located on level three.
  • Power doors are located at all public entrances.

Hearing

  • The Indiana State Museum offers a variety of programs with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation available upon request with a 48-hour notice.
  • All in-gallery videos are open captioned.
  • For private events that require ASL interpretation, please contact facility rentals with a 48-hour notice at 317.232.1637.

Vision

  • For the visually impaired or blind visitor, the museum is best navigated and experienced with a companion. It is highly recommended that visitors plan a return visit as the museum is filled with all sorts of interesting facts, artifacts and opportunities, and it can be overwhelming to take in on just one visit. Consider purchasing a membership as this is the most economical approach.
  • Service animals are welcome.
  • Braille signage is in accordance with ADA requirements in areas such as elevators, restrooms and entrances.
  • Taking into consideration the sensitive nature of artifacts, some displays are tactile.

General Amenities

  • Parking is $4 when visiting the museum and free when attending an IMAX® film.
  • Self service coat racks are available on level one by the School Lunchroom.
  • Accessible drinking fountains are located throughout the museum on each level.
  • For information about the first aid room, inquire with a gallery host or visitor services staff member.
  • Bicycle racks are available at the Washington Street and canal-level entrances.
  • There is a Mom’s Room located on level two.
  • A family restroom is located on level three.