Explore Downtown Indianapolis

Not only is Indianapolis the 12th largest city in the United States, but it's a terrific place to live, work, play, eat, shop and the list goes on and on. Downtown Indianapolis has everything you can imagine… and more. People of all ages can be entertained at 16 museums and historic sites, 17 performing arts and theatres, more than 20 galleries, more than 20 memorials and parks, eight major sports venues and various unique attractions.

Highlights include:

• Indianapolis boasts The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, not only the largest museum of its kind in the world, but also rated "the best museum" by FamilyFun and Child magazines. In 2006, the 43-foot Fireworks of Glass was installed, the largest permanent sculpture of blown glass ever created by renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
• Indianapolis is home to the Madame Walker Theatre Center, which stands as a memorial to America's first female self-made millionaire, Madam C. J. Walker.
• The Indianapolis Museum of Art was ranked by USA Today as one of the top ten locations for marriage proposals -- in front of the famous LOVE sculpture.
• The Indianapolis Zoo is the nation's only accredited combined zoo, aquarium and botanical garden.
• The Indiana State Museum features art, science and culture. The museum not only has exhibits inside, but is an exhibit itself with its 92-county walk, Indiana material-made exterior and more.
• The internationally acclaimed Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs 200 concerts each year.
• The Indiana Repertory Theatre beckons culture seekers to its beautifully renovated 1927 historic site featuring thought-provoking performances.
• Mass Ave boasts five performing arts theaters: Theatre on the Square, Phoenix Theatre, American Cabaret Theatre, Comedy Sportz Indianapolis and the Murat Centre.
• Indianapolis houses the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, one of only two museums east of the Mississippi with both Native American and Western art.
• Indianapolis is second only to Washington, D.C. in its number of monuments and memorials commemorating veterans.

If you want to see what's only in Indianapolis, discover Indianapolis' Cultural Districts: Broad Ripple Village, The Canal and White River State Park, Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave and Wholesale District. Four of the six districts have homes directly in Downtown Indianapolis, while Fountain Square is just a mile southeast and Broad Ripple Village nine miles northeast. The districts showcase distinct pockets of cultural opportunity thriving in the city. You'll find delightful public art, unique galleries, inspiring museums, quaint shops and engaging recreation. Satisfy your appetite at exquisite restaurants, ethnic eateries and cafes. Laugh out loud or dance the night away at one of dozens of night clubs and theaters. The districts also have your ticket to professional sports and performances.

With more than 200 shops Downtown, residents and visitors can enjoy everything from the trendy, one-of-a-kind shops such as Windsor Jewelry Company or At Home in the City/Silver in the City, to the popular national chains like Parisian, H &M, T.J. Maxx and Border's Books Music and Video Cafe. Circle Centre, Downtown's world-renowned shopping and entertainment complex, celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2005. It houses the only Nordstrom in Indiana.

The dining options are endless, with more than 250 restaurants and bars, ranging from the national eateries like McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Buca di Beppo, Palomino and Ruth's Chris to the unique local hot spots such as Agio, St. Elmo's and Bazbeaux pizza.

For complete information about the hundreds of special events and festivals that take place Downtown, along with a directory of restaurants, bars, retail shops, parking information and more, visit www.indydt.com or call 317.237.2222.