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Soldiers and Sailors Monument

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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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All three “Seasons in the City” prints are available in the online shop! Buy them individually or get the complete set.

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All three “Seasons in the City” prints are available in the online shop! Buy them individually or get the complete set. #indianapolisindiana #indianapolis #indianapolisart #indyart #indyartist #indianapolisprint #indianaartist #indianaart #monumentcircle #soldiersandsailorsmonument #indianapoliscircle

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis, IN.

When we visited Indy for Gen Con, we walked around the circle and for the first time for us, it was OPEN! The kids had mixed feelings being up there, but I’m glad we did it!

#Indianapolis #IndianapolisIndiana #LoveIndy #SoldiersAndSailorsMonument #MonumentCircle #DowntownIndy #ThingsToDoInIndy #GenCon2023

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Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis, IN. When we visited Indy for Gen Con, we walked around the circle and for the first time for us, it was OPEN! The kids had mixed feelings being up there, but I’m glad we did it! #Indianapolis #IndianapolisIndiana #LoveIndy #SoldiersAndSailorsMonument #MonumentCircle #DowntownIndy #ThingsToDoInIndy #GenCon2023

detroit you did not disappoint! #muchloveandrespect #working #travel #travelphotography #sojourner #detroit #getoutside #kissarmy #campmartiusparkdetroit #soldiersandsailorsmonument

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detroit you did not disappoint! #muchloveandrespect #working #travel #travelphotography #sojourner #detroit #getoutside #kissarmy #campmartiusparkdetroit #soldiersandsailorsmonument
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Hours & Location

HOURS

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

ADMISSION

Free

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