Culture In The City Of Indianapolis, Much More Than Motor
The city of Indianapolis may not be the first destination that comes to mind when we think of a trip to the United States. And yet the capital of the state of Indiana can be a real surprise for all those tourists who travel without preconceptions and open to enjoying what awaits them in each destination.
Indianapolis, synonymous with speed
Any fan of motorsports, be it motorsports or motorcycles, knows that one of the legendary speed circuits is located here. It is the famous Oval, which keeps a part of the original bricks of its firm. The Indianapolis 500 and many other races are held here.
In this way, Indianapolis is one of the preferred destinations for motorsport lovers. However, although the automotive industry is here it is authentic culture, in the city there is much more.
Other events more typical of culture
The Indianapolis races are the reason to visit for many. But do not forget that the city also has a busy calendar of cultural events throughout the year. For example, you have two different film festivals. The oldest is the Heartland, while the newest is the INDY.
Likewise, the Fringe Festival, which is a renowned event in the world of theater , is highly acclaimed. And also the music has two key moments: one is the Midwest festival and the other is the Indyfest jazz festival. Some dates in which Indianapolis emulates the animation of other more southern cities, such as the mythical New Orleans.
Places not to miss in Indianapolis
Its cathedrals
From an architectural point of view, also culture lovers can take a very entertaining walk through the streets of Indianapolis. For example, you will be surprised to see that there are several cathedrals scattered around the city.
All of them are built in styles reminiscent of Europeans, such as the neo-Gothic or the neoclassical. And, on the other hand, they are temples of different creeds, such as the Catholic or the Anglican.
But there is a cathedral that attracts a lot of attention, the one known as the Scottish Rite Cathedral. It is a place where, more than religious ceremonies, concerts and even banquets are held. Actually, this is the great meeting point of the Freemasons in the city.
Other buildings of interest in Indianapolis
Architecture lovers will not only find temples. Another striking building is the Indiana Capitol, the seat of local government. As usual in this case, it attracts attention for its colonnaded façade and its great dome, in the image and likeness of the most famous of the US capitols, that of Washington DC
However, perhaps the most charming buildings in Indianapolis are its grand manor houses. They remind us of other times and some are as spectacular as Benjamin Harrison’s. It is in the center of the city and remains as the 23rd president of the United States left it.
Also recommended is the Victorian mansion of Morris Butler House, a true nineteenth-century museum. Meanwhile, on the outskirts you can visit the Huddleston farm, which takes us back to the times of the settlers, when this land of Indians was called “Indiana” for the first time.
Museums for all ages and tastes
Visitor complaints do not end here. There are different museums, such as the contemporary art museum at the Indianapolis Arts Center. And we must also mention the Indiana Museum, which shows us the history and peculiarities of this territory of the American Midwest.
And finally, if you are traveling with the little ones in the family, you shouldn’t miss the Children’s Museum. It is the largest of its kind in the world and a visit that ends up being the most entertaining for young and old.
