Indiana War Memorial

So, I've lived in Indianapolis more than 15 years and had never been to the Indiana War Memorial. War Memorial - to me the words mean a statue and some plaques. I had no idea.


The Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District contains two museums, three parks and 24 acres of monuments, statues, sculptures and fountains in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, making the state's capital second only to Washington D.C. in acreage and number of monuments dedicated to veterans.


The War Memorial Museum actually has three floors, several meeting rooms and an auditorium. I had the pleasure of experiencing it first hand recently while attending a conference at the site.



On the upper level is a massive "Shrine" room, dedicated to the end of World War I, which of course was to be the war to end all wars. The room is 60' x 60' and 110' tall. Portraits of the commanders of the six armies flank the room, which features a large U.S. flag suspended from the ceiling under a large light fixture made of Swedish crystal. A large marble altar sits in the middle of the room.



The building also contains a military musuem.



Admission is free.