The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Inc.

3000 N. Meridian St.

Indianapolis, IN 46208-4716

(317) 924-5439

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the fourth oldest and the largest children's museum in the world, is considered an innovator in the museum and education fields. As interpreted by this museum, the concept of a children's museum departs fromthe standard museum in essentially four ways:

• Education justifies every object, activity and event. There is a purpose behind each display, a story to tell with each exhibit, an idea to unfold in each gallery.
• Bright, vivid colors and dramatic lighting effects are used to capture attention. Labels are written in easily understood, contemporary language.
• Exhibits are placed carefully to afford even the youngest a good look, and materials are presented in identifiable sequence. Whenever possible, exhibits are "hands-on" or participatory in nature.
• No matter how sophisticated the exhibit, human contact remains the most important source of learning.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis houses ten galleries exploring science, history, foreign cultures, space and the arts. In addition, the museum regularly hosts exhibits and programs focusing on contemporary issues. The institution strives to offer non-traditional learning opportunities for children. While formal education is the task of the school, museum education must make a unique and original contribution.

Website: http://www.childrensmuseum.org