About Us

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis was founded in 1925 through the stewardship and inspiration of Mary Stewart Carey (1859–1938), a citizen of Indianapolis. After visiting the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Carey was determined to create a similar museum for Indianapolis. With the help of several civic-minded women and contributions from children in nearby neighborhoods, the museum sprang to life. Over the course of 95 years, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has grown in size and stature to become the biggest and best children’s museum in the world.

The museum's mission:

"To create extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families."

About The Museum Store:

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Store is far from your typical museum gift shop!  Yes, we have an excellent selection of museum souvenirs, great gifts for all ages, awesome apparel, and fantastic items to remind you of your favorite exhibits.  But we are also one of the state's largest specialty toy stores!  We offer puzzles and games; dolls and trains; construction and science kits; books and so much more.  Our web store has only a small offering of the amazing selection we carry.  Please take a virtual tour or sign up for a virtual shopping appointment here, or give us a call at 317-334-4606 for personalized assistance finding just the right gifts.  

Remember, 100% of the store's profits go right back to the museum to help us keep fulfilling our mission!