The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields · Indianapolis
Newfields' 100-acre art and nature park is free every day from dawn to dusk, with no tickets needed. Walk woodlands, wetlands and a 35-acre lake past large outdoor artworks. Free parking off West 38th Street; the park also connects to the Central Canal Towpath. The visitor pavilion and its restrooms are closed November 1 to April 1.
The Indy Art Center's exhibitions are always free and open to the public. Through December 13, 2026, see a collection exhibition from the International Photography Hall of Fame. Open Monday–Friday 9am–10pm, Saturday 9am–6pm and Sunday noon–6pm.
Monday–Friday, hourly 9am–3pm (closed state holidays)
Indiana Statehouse · Indianapolis
See the Indiana Statehouse's rotunda and legislative chambers on a free 30–45 minute guided tour. Tours run every hour on the hour, 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday. The tour office is closed on state holidays, including Nov 3, Nov 11, Nov 26–27, Dec 24 and Dec 25, 2026. Call the tour office at 317-233-0589 to check the day's schedule.
The Indiana State Police Museum on the east side tells the story of the state police with free admission, Tuesday through Thursday, 10am to 3pm. Donations are appreciated; groups of up to 30 can schedule visits.
Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art & The Garden)
Anyone enrolled in a college course or degree program in Indiana gets free general admission to Newfields (the Indianapolis Museum of Art and The Garden) by showing a student ID or proof of enrollment at the Info Desk. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm; regular adult admission is $23.
Verified Oct 28 · discovernewfields.org
Catch: Only for: students enrolled at an Indiana college (student ID or proof of enrollment)
Wednesday–Saturday, noon–5pm (closed major holidays)
Herron Galleries at Eskenazi Hall · Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis' Herron School of Art and Design galleries are free and open to the public. Now showing: ÆNIGMATA in the Basile Gallery through December 5, and Son Lux's video installation 'Out Into Us (Slow Down)' November 4–7, 2026. The galleries at Eskenazi Hall are open Wednesday–Saturday, noon to 5pm (closed Thanksgiving), with free parking in the adjacent Sports Complex Garage (validate at the gallery). Check the exhibitions page for what's next after December 5.
Wednesday–Sunday, 9am–5pm (closed most holidays; open Veterans Day)
Indiana War Memorial · Indianapolis
The Indiana War Memorial Museum downtown is free for military members, veterans and children under 5 (adults otherwise pay $10). A ticket also covers same-day entry to the Soldiers & Sailors Monument. Open Wednesday–Sunday, 9am to 5pm; enter at 55 E. Michigan Street.
Verified Oct 28 · in.gov
Catch: Only for: military members, veterans and children under 5
Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art & The Garden)
On Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, military veterans and active-duty service members get free general admission to Newfields, 10am to 5pm. Show an Indiana ID with the veteran designation or other proof of service at the Information Desk. Special exhibitions and ticketed shows aren't included.
Verified Oct 28 · discovernewfields.org
Catch: Only for: military veterans and active-duty service members (proof of service required)
During library hours; passes check out for one week
Carmel Clay Public Library, Main Library (Adult Services, 2nd floor)
Carmel Clay Public Library lends Experience Passes for a week at a time: free admission for a group at the Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, Indiana Historical Society and Kurt Vonnegut Museum, plus an Indiana State Parks carload pass. Ask at Adult Services on the Main Library's second floor or place a hold in the catalog.
Verified Oct 28 · carmelclaylibrary.org
Catch: Carmel Clay Public Library card required · Limited passes: place a hold or check availability
During library hours; passes check out for one week
Johnson County Public Library (all branches) · Indianapolis
Johnson County Public Library lends passes for free admission to Conner Prairie (four daytime general admission tickets), the Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, Indiana Historical Society, Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Indiana Medical History Museum (by appointment), plus an Indiana State Parks vehicle pass. Museum and park passes check out for a week; every branch has them, first come, first served.
Verified Oct 28 · pageafterpage.org
Catch: Johnson County Public Library card required
Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art & The Garden)
On the first Thursday of every month, general admission to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and The Garden at Newfields is pay what you wish, and $0 is accepted, from 10am to 5pm (next: Nov 5 and Dec 3, 2026). Regular adult admission is $23. Special exhibitions may cost extra.
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library on Indiana Avenue is free on the first Monday of every month, 10am to 6pm (regular adult admission is $12). No reservation needed, and self-guided audio tours cost nothing extra; the noon guided tour is a $5 upcharge. Free parking in the museum lot.
Verified Oct 28 · vonnegutlibrary.org
No catch
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