Indiana World War Memorial Plaza
Indiana World War Memorial
A neoclassical memorial modelled on the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, with a solemn Sanctuary hall and a free military museum.
The Indiana War Memorial was built to commemorate the First World War. Construction began in the 1920s, and its design is modelled on the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It stands about 64 metres tall and is one of the largest war memorials in the United States. The top-floor Sanctuary hall creates a solemn atmosphere with blue glass star chandeliers and marble columns. The military museum below presents weapons, uniforms and artefacts in chronological order, from the American Revolutionary War to the present day, and admission is free. North of the memorial stretches a plaza five blocks long, including the Obelisk Square and the headquarters of the American Legion. Its area is second only to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is about a five-minute walk from Monument Circle.
Opening hours
Closed Mon & Tue; 09:00–17:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Scottish Rite Cathedral
- Indianapolis Cultural Trail
- Monument Circle & Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
- Indianapolis City Market
- Indiana Statehouse
- Mass Ave Cultural Arts District
- Central Canal Walk
- Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library