Artifacts and Specimens

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis boasts a collection of more than 100,000 artifacts. The collection is a storehouse of ideas and concepts; not only are these artifacts pathways to the thinking that has shaped our collective past, but also to the new connections and discoveries yet unborn in the minds of young visitors. Since its founding in 1926, the museum has nurtured the growth of its collection which is divided into three domains:

Natural World Domain Collections contain many real items, from dinosaur eggs and precious gems to sausage tree pods. Many interesting objects from the around the world illustrate natural and physical science concepts.

Cultural World Domain Collections contain folk toys, special clothes, decorated everyday objects and art by children and internationally-known artists.
Dakobi Quilt - a virtual exhibit
The quilt depicts the dreams of a sleeping girl come to life on top of her covers! Her secret dreamland reveals a village of Dokabi, Korean trolls, acting out traditional Korean stories.

American Experience Domain Collections contain over 39,500 American and African-American objects spanning almost 200 years. These are seen by grandparents, parents and children in gallery exhibits and educational activities.

Check out our collection online hosted by the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library.

The collection of The Children's Museum is important because: artifacts tell stories that connect generations; artifacts offer insight into the lives of people here and in other parts of the world; artifacts are reference points for children to compare their lives with people through time and across cultures; artifacts inspire our imagination and enrich our lives.


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