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NOTICE

On Saturday, June 22, we will have shortened hours due to the Indianapolis Monumental Mile. The Indiana War Memorial will be open from 1-5 p.m., and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument will be open from 1-5:30 p.m. All roads around our facilities should be open by noon. However, parking will be available on Michigan Street that morning.

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Soldiers and Sailors Monument

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ABOUT

Recognized as one of the world’s outstanding monuments, the structure has come to symbolize both the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana.

Located in the heart of downtown in Monument Circle, it was originally designed to honor Indiana’s Civil War veterans. It now commemorates the valor of Hoosier veterans who served in all wars prior to WWI, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Frontier Wars and the Spanish-American War. One of the most popular parts of the monument is the observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city skyline from 275 feet up.

Hours & locationSoldiers & Sailors Monument Brochure
FEATURES

Other features of the monument include:

Constructed by Bruno Schmitz

Bruno Schmitz of Berlin, Prussia (Germany) constructed the monument and incorporated many art works into the monument and around the circle. Sculptor Rudolf Schwarz designed the statuary groups “War” and “Peace,” “The Dying Soldier,” “The Homefront” and the four statues at the corners of the monument that represent the Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery and Navy. Additionally, George Brewster created the thirty-eight-foot-tall figure of Victory that caps the monument, as well as two astragals, and Nicolaus Geiger created the bronze Army astragal that represents the carnage of war.

Dedicated in 1902

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was constructed between 1887 and 1902 and formally dedicated on May 15, 1902.

Design and Construction

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is 284 feet, 6 inches tall—only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. The complete cost of design and construction was nearly $600,000. Building a similar structure today would cost more than $500 million.

Commission for Construction

The commission for the monument’s construction requested architects to submit design proposals. Of the 70 proposals turned in, two finalists were chosen. Then from the two, Bruno Schmitz of Berlin, Prussia (Germany) received the appointment.

Observation Deck

The observation deck can be reached by climbing 331 steps or riding an elevator 90% of the distance and climbing the remaining 31 steps.

STORIES OF SERVICE

Indiana Veterans

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January 31, 2023

Stories of Service: Major Charity Adams

Early Life  Charity Adams was born on December 5, 1918 in Kittrell, North Carolina. She grew up in Columbia, South Carolina until moving to Ohio to continue her education at…
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General InformationStories of Service
February 7, 2022

Stories of Service: The Life of Lucy Higgs Nichols

Lucy Higgs Nichols was an African American who escaped slavery and became a nurse for a regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Read on to learn…
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Artifacts and AttractionsGeneral InformationPress ReleasesStories of Service
August 24, 2021

20th Anniversary of 9/11: A Reflection on our Nation’s Resolve and Resiliency

20th Anniversary of 9/11: A Reflection on our Nation’s Resolve and Resiliency Most of us vividly remember the exact moment, nearly 20 years ago, when we learned about the terrorist…
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VIRTUAL TOUR

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Explore the monuments, museums and memorials of the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District—virtually.

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#SoldiersandSailorsMonument

Happy Father’s Day!

Thank you to all of our fathers - and especially thank you to those who serve in the United States Military and those who have helped raise our military heroes!

#FathersDay #indianawarmemorials #thankfulforourveterans

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Happy Father’s Day! Thank you to all of our fathers - and especially thank you to those who serve in the United States Military and those who have helped raise our military heroes! #FathersDay #indianawarmemorials #thankfulforourveterans

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army.

Did you know the Army was created before our nation declared independence? Our Nation`s Army has seen it all from the Revolutionary War through today! Thank you!

#USArmy #IndianaWarMemorials #ArmyStrong #Thiswelldefend

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Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army. Did you know the Army was created before our nation declared independence? Our Nation's Army has seen it all from the Revolutionary War through today! Thank you! #USArmy #IndianaWarMemorials #ArmyStrong #Thiswelldefend

On this day in 1777, the Second Continental Congress officially adopted a singular flag for the Continental Army. For the first time the Thirteen Colonies had a single flag under which to fight the British.

The first "American" flag consisted of thirteen white and red stripes, signifying the thirteen colonies and thirteen white stars in blue "representing a new constellation."

Did you know the Indiana War Memorial Museum has a reproduction of the “Betsy Ross Flag” on display? The Indiana War Memorial Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 to 5. Admission is free!

#FlagDay #UShistory #Indianawarmemorials

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On this day in 1777, the Second Continental Congress officially adopted a singular flag for the Continental Army. For the first time the Thirteen Colonies had a single flag under which to fight the British. The first "American" flag consisted of thirteen white and red stripes, signifying the thirteen colonies and thirteen white stars in blue "representing a new constellation." Did you know the Indiana War Memorial Museum has a reproduction of the “Betsy Ross Flag” on display? The Indiana War Memorial Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 to 5. Admission is free! #FlagDay #UShistory #Indianawarmemorials

Have you visited University Park this summer? University Park has plenty of benches and picnic tables and is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon outside in Downtown Indy this summer!

#Visitindy
#DowntownIndy #HistoricalIndianapolis #IndianaWarMemorials

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Have you visited University Park this summer? University Park has plenty of benches and picnic tables and is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon outside in Downtown Indy this summer! #Visitindy #DowntownIndy #HistoricalIndianapolis #IndianaWarMemorials

Today is the anniversary of D-Day. On this day - in 1944 - more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline on the beaches of Normandy.

The sacrifices made by the Allied troops that day allowed for more than 100,000 service members to join the difficult struggle across Europe, eventually leading to an Allied victory.

Learn more about D-Day and the many Hoosiers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Indiana War Memorials Museum open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free!

#DDay #WWIIHistory #IndianaWarMemorials

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Today is the anniversary of D-Day. On this day - in 1944 - more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline on the beaches of Normandy. The sacrifices made by the Allied troops that day allowed for more than 100,000 service members to join the difficult struggle across Europe, eventually leading to an Allied victory. Learn more about D-Day and the many Hoosiers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Indiana War Memorials Museum open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free! #DDay #WWIIHistory #IndianaWarMemorials

Today the Battle of Midway began in 1942. The Battle was a turning point in the Pacific during WWII.

Did you know Raymond A Spruance, the commander of the U.S. naval forces, was raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Shortridge High School? Learn more about Admiral Spruance and other Hoosiers who served in World War II at the Indiana War Memorial Museum open Wednesday through Sunday between 9am and 5pm. Admission is free!

#BattleofMidway #IndianaWarMemorials #WWII

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Today the Battle of Midway began in 1942. The Battle was a turning point in the Pacific during WWII. Did you know Raymond A Spruance, the commander of the U.S. naval forces, was raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Shortridge High School? Learn more about Admiral Spruance and other Hoosiers who served in World War II at the Indiana War Memorial Museum open Wednesday through Sunday between 9am and 5pm. Admission is free! #BattleofMidway #IndianaWarMemorials #WWII

Looking for a fun activity this summer for the whole family to enjoy?

Why not check out the PocketSights App! Download PocketSights - found in the app store - and enjoy a personal tour of the Indiana War Memorials properties from your phone!
#VisitIndy #DowntownIndy #IndianaWarMemorials

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Looking for a fun activity this summer for the whole family to enjoy? Why not check out the PocketSights App! Download PocketSights - found in the app store - and enjoy a personal tour of the Indiana War Memorials properties from your phone! #VisitIndy #DowntownIndy #IndianaWarMemorials

On this day in 1999 the Medal of Honor Memorial was unveiled. This Memorial pays tribute to over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients from 15 different conflicts. Located on the canal just off Military Park, the Memorial is ever-changing as names are added on a yearly basis.

Next time you`re out enjoying the canal downtown, stop by and pay tribute to all the Medal of Honor Recipients listed on the Memorial.

#IndianaWarMemorials #MedalofHonorMemorial #MedalofHonorRecipients #DowntownIndy #VisitIndy

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On this day in 1999 the Medal of Honor Memorial was unveiled. This Memorial pays tribute to over 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients from 15 different conflicts. Located on the canal just off Military Park, the Memorial is ever-changing as names are added on a yearly basis. Next time you're out enjoying the canal downtown, stop by and pay tribute to all the Medal of Honor Recipients listed on the Memorial. #IndianaWarMemorials #MedalofHonorMemorial #MedalofHonorRecipients #DowntownIndy #VisitIndy
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Hours & Location

HOURS

Hours inside: Please call for hours 317-234-6999
Hours outside: Open from dawn to dusk

ADMISSION

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