Indianapolis Artsgarden

Suspended above the intersection of Washington and Illinois Streets in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, the Artsgarden is one of the city's most distinctive architectural landmarks and a completely free cultural destination for families. The soaring glass dome spans nearly 100 feet above street level, connected to the surrounding buildings by enclosed skywalks that create a uniquely dramatic interior space.

Designed by architect Woollen, Molzan and Partners and opened in 1995, the Artsgarden serves as a performance and exhibition venue managed by Arts Council of Indianapolis. On any given visit, you might encounter live musical performances ranging from classical to jazz to pop, rotating art exhibitions, community events, or cultural celebrations. The programming calendar is packed with activity, making the Artsgarden feel alive and vibrant rather than static.

For families, the sheer spectacle of the space is enough to captivate children — the glass dome floods the interior with natural light, and the elevated perch offers bird's-eye views of downtown street life below. Kids love the novelty of walking through skywalks and the feeling of being suspended above the city.

Because the Artsgarden is entirely free and accessible directly from the street or via the connected Circle Centre Mall, it's an easy add-on to any downtown Indianapolis outing. Whether you're passing through on the way to the Children's Museum, catching a game, or just exploring downtown, a stop at the Artsgarden adds a memorable cultural moment to your family day at zero cost.