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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS, IN. (June 12, 2024)
Mark your calendar for big news about amazing new experiences families can enjoy at the world’s largest children’s museum. From magical memories to a special Disney Jr. treat to marvelous moments and objects from our past and an adventure in a new land, 2025 holds fun, fantasy and fantastic family moments to share with those you love.
Centennial Celebration
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is turning 100 in 2025! Join us to celebrate a century of creating impactful experiences; sparking memories, wonder and dreams; and igniting powerful futures for children and adults. It all starts with Countdown to Noon as we splash into the new year with North America’s largest water clock at a family-friendly hour on New Year’s Eve.
Memories, Wonders and Dreams: Stories from 100 Years
December 31, 2024–January 2026
Families hold the key in the new year to unlock stories surrounding the museum’s collection of amazing artifacts from the last 100 years. As families explore the exhibit, they will find The Story Vault, a large display case holding five powerful objects. To unlock the stories of these objects, families will insert a special key into the keyhole slot of the case. Both English and Spanish keys are available for families to hear the stories of these objects in their preferred language.
A few of the fascinating stories include:
- Sidney the Seahorse: the museum’s first official mascot, designed by Indiana author Kurt Vonnegut’s father.
- Door Latch from the house of Levi Coffin: Levi Coffin and his wife, Catharine, helped so many slaves escape north to Canada and freedom that their home has been referred to as "Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad."
- Lacrosse Stick Head sculpture: Native American-made art of the sport invented by the Iroquois people.
The stories do not stop there. Visitors will discover more fascinating history associated with many of the collection's objects throughout the museum.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit
February 22–August 31, 2025
Mickey Mouse and his pals are throwing a surprise birthday party for their favorite pup Pluto and could use a helping hand!
Preparations are underway at the Clubhouse, but there is so much to do, and that’s where families can help. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy at the Clubhouse to put the finishing touches on the best birthday surprise ever!
Families will enjoy an interactive adventure of learning and fun with Mickey and his pals while enhancing physical, cognitive and social-emotional skills through immersive hands-on and digital interactives. Iconic elements from the Disney Jr. series such as Toodles and the Mousekedoer are also present to help along the way. © Disney
NEW Take Me There®
July 12, 2025–2029
From Egypt to China to Greece, Take Me There Airways has “flown” thousands of visitors to different countries around the world. Since 2009, the Take Me There® exhibit reminds visitors that when we get to know how people in other cultures live their daily lives, we can accept and respect our neighbors—next door and around the world. In July 2025, Take Me There Airways will take off to a new destination. Families can start their imaginary packing lists and get ready for an all-new adventure—without leaving Indianapolis. We cannot tell you the location just yet, but we can share a couple of hints: the country is located south of the equator and is a Spanish-speaking nation. To prepare the gallery for this exciting new country to explore, Take Me There®: Greece will close on Sept. 15, 2024, in order for us to build and install the new exhibit.
Haunted House
The nation’s oldest continually operated haunted house celebrates 61 years in 2025. Through dramatic light, sound and color, families will be introduced to creepy characters and suspense mixed with surprise. One of the most unique and appreciated elements of The Children’s Museum Guild’s Haunted House is that it offers Lights-on Hours (for children who scare easily) and Frightening Hours with the lights off (for those who dare to be scared).
Presented by Old National Bank
WinterFaire
Wrap up the year in a magical winter wonderland that is sure to become a new holiday tradition. The festive, carnival-like atmosphere features fun games, hands-on activities, adorable animal characters and when families work together to touch all six symbols on the fountain, its frozen plumes will change colors and glow. Families are also invited to grab an apron and create a bright, colorful, one-of-a-kind design to take home during one of the special programs.
Presented by Riley Children's Health
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP and The Heritage Group.
About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
We ignite joy, wonder and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults. For more information about The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, visit www.childrensmuseum.org and follow us on Tiktok@childrensmuseum, Instagram@childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM and Facebook.
