Bartholomew County Historical Society, 524 3rd St, Columbus, IN 47201, US

Founded in 1883, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is among the 10 largest and 10 oldest general art museums in the nation. The Museum houses a stunning collection of artwork, but also offers visitors an extensive variety of additional sites on the Museum's 26-acre main campus, including the Art & Nature Park, the Lilly House and Gardens, the Miller House and Garden, the Greenhouse, and the Tobias Theater.Parking and public transportation at the Indianapolis Museum of ArtParking is available for a nominal fee at the underground garage or surface lot at the museum. Free parking is available at the Greenhouse Shop, the exterior lots, and the loop off of 38th Street near 100 Acres.Best and worst time to go to the Indianapolis Museum of ArtThe grounds of the Museum are as large a draw as the artwork housed inside the museum. Consider visiting during warm weather in order to take full advantage of everything the Museum offers. In the summer, the Museum hosts the popular Summer Film Series in the outdoor amphitheater.Admission to the Indianapolis Museum of ArtThe Indianapolis Museum of Art is open seven days a week. Admission is free for children 5 and under. Paid admission is in the range of $10-20. Several areas of the Museum grounds are free, including the Museum café and store, the Art & Nature Park, 100 Acres, and several statues on the Museum grounds. Admission to the Museum is free on the first Thursday of the month from 4-9pm.Must see and must do at the Indianapolis Museum of ArtThe Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres is located on 100 acres of land adjacent to the Museum's main campus. Open daily from dawn until dusk, 100 Acres is a popular destination for visitors and is often visited even without a trip inside the Museum itself. It includes woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and a 35-acre lake. Featuring ongoing commissions of temporary, site-responsive artworks, 100 Acres is one of the largest museum art parks in the country.Visit the Greenhouse shop to purchase an array of live plants and gardening tools, and be sure to stop at the Museum's famous LOVE sculpture located on the grounds.Other places to visit near the Indianapolis Museum of ArtThe Children's Museum of Indianapolis is located less than three miles from the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is about five miles away. Both of these world-famous spots are worth a visit if you are looking for destinations nearby.Insider Tip for visitors to the Indianapolis Museum of ArtThe Museum does not have restaurants within walking distance, although a café is located on-site. Consider packing a picnic lunch if you're visiting during warm weather. The expansive, beautiful Museum grounds offer many spots that are perfect for picnicking.Author's Bio: Heather Hurley is a publishing professional and freelance writer living in Carmel, Indiana.