Founded in 1904, it is one of Southern Indiana's most established and significant cultural institutions, with comprehensive collections in art, history, anthropology and science.

However, in 1910 a controversial decision was made to demolish the Mansion for safety reasons, and the museum's artifacts were temporarily placed in the Old Court House.

Although many artifacts were lost or destroyed in the move, the museum was reopened in 1928 in the old YWCA building under the name Temple of Fine Arts and History.

In October 2012 the plan was modified to include a glass walled, rectangular addition with a domed immersive planetarium and theater.

[3] Permanent exhibit galleries include learning spaces devoted to art, history, anthropology and participatory science.

There are also galleries dedicated to early Evansville history, Abraham Lincoln, and the home front effort during WWII.

The Humankind Gallery offers a fascinating look at world cultures with an emphasis on North and South America, Africa, and Asia.

Family Place is also the new home for the museum's Alaskan Kodiak Brown Bear, named Kodi, and an interactive science demonstration area.

Included in the exhibitions are a historic three-car train; a 1910 Sears Motor Car; and the intricate model railroad Charlotte's Evansville.