The museum houses exhibits on the science, art, culture, and history of Indiana from prehistoric times to the present day.

[2] In 1869, the Indiana General Assembly enacted a law that provided “for the collection and preservation of a Geological and Mineralogical Cabinet of the Natural History of this State”.

[3] The museum’s collection remained on display on the third floor of the Statehouse until 1919, when it was moved to the basement to make room for the Indiana Department of Conservation.

[3] When the collection was placed in the basement of the Statehouse, it fell into a state of decline for almost 45 years, where inadequate protection and preservation of items resulted in many specimens disappearing or becoming unusable.

[3] The commission recommended that the State invest in the construction of a new facility as the Statehouse was no longer an adequate or appropriate location for the museum.

[3] The old City Hall was originally designed in 1910 by Rubush and Hunter and some refurbishments would be needed make it home to a museum.

[4] In 1963, the state leased the old City Hall building and began renovations,[5] officials dedicated and formally opened the new museum site in 1967.

[13] The Indiana State Museum building opened its doors to the public on May 22, 2002 with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Governor Frank O’Bannon.

[16] Appelbaum's core concept for the division of Indiana's story would evolve as visitors traveled upward through the museums three floors.

[17] The sculptures, created by 32 different artists, are made of limestone, aluminum, glass, and other materials, and represent the uniqueness of each Indiana county.