Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around Dr.King’s birthday, January 15. This year Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is January 16 this year.

To commemorate this day, several museums are opened and offer free admission on MLK Day in Indianapolis.

Celebrate MLK Day in Indianapolis

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy at The Children’s Museum

3000 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Phone: 317-334-3322
10AM – 5PM

White River State Park will celebrate at all its parks attractions: Eiteljorg Museum, IMAX® Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA® Hall of Champions and Victory Field. All this places you will receive free admission and free parking on  Jan. 21, with a canned good donation (one can per person, per attraction). In partnership with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, your canned food donation will help families in needs and food pantries.

Indianapolis Zoo – FREE

Check animals and see the dolphin show (presentations are at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.). The zoo is opened from 9am to 4pm Monday. Buy your tickets online.
1200 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 630-2001

IMAX & Indiana State Museum

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the museum celebrates the legacy of equal rights in America. Watch films with Dr. King’s speeches at the museum. Free admission to the museum with a non-perishable food item. The Indiana State Museum is opened from 10am to 5pm.
650 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 232-1637

Eiteljorg Museum

The Eiteljorg Museum Museum is opened from 10am to 5pm. Jan. 14th would the last day to check out the Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure
500 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 636-9378

NCAA Hall of Champions

The NCAA Hall of Champions boasts two-levels of interactive exhibits to engage visitors and create a true-to-life understanding of what it takes to make the grade. Arena, on the first level, all 24 NCAA sports are represented and include a novice to historian trivial challenge, current team rankings, video highlights, and artifacts donated from colleges around the nation. Play, on the second level, is a fully interactive area to compete virtually and hands-on through sports simulators, a 1930s retro gymnasium, ski simulator and more.
700 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 916-4255

Indianapolis Museum of Art

Spend the afternoon at the IMA and reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hear Indy poets, singers and artists speak of love. Practice mindfulness, relieve anxiety through a large group meditation, and engage with others through activities and random acts of kindness. Donations can include non-perishable food items, toiletries and school supplies for the MLK Community Center.
4000 North Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 923-1331

Rhythm! Discovery Center

In honor of Dr. King’s legacy and this special holiday, we are offering FREE admission to the museum during regular business hours, 10AM – 5PM. There will be a special performance find details about Dr. Martin King Rhythm Discovery Celebration here.
110 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, 46204
(317) 275-9030

Still want to commemorate Martin Luther King, but can’t make it out? Here are some other things to do:

• Read books (picture books for little ones) and materials which are written about Dr.King or the Civil Rights era.
• Do a craft or worksheet. Here are some ideas on Pinterest.

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