Honoring Dr. King: Free Museums and Community Celebrations in Indy Today

Commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Circle City

Today, Monday, January 19, 2026, Indianapolis comes together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of community-wide events, free cultural experiences, and special performances. As a federal holiday, many of the city's premier institutions are opening their doors to the public at no cost, providing families and individuals with numerous ways to engage in reflection, education, and service.

Free Museum and Attraction Days

Several major attractions across the city are offering free admission today, though some may require advance reservations due to high demand. These community days are a hallmark of the holiday in Indianapolis, allowing everyone to access the city's cultural treasures.

• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the museum features special musical performances, a community service project with Seeds of Caring, and live theater shows titled "Voices of Hope" at 12:30 p.m. activities specifically designed to teach children about the Civil Rights Movement.
• Indianapolis Zoo: Located in White River State Park, the zoo offers free entry from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. While admission is free, visitors are strongly encouraged to bring a donation for Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana to help those in need.
• Indiana State Museum: Free admission from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. highlights the day with hands-on activities focused on civil rights, community mural-making, and opportunities for personal reflection.
• Eiteljorg Museum: Today marks the final opportunity to experience the popular "Jingle Rails" exhibit before it closes for the season. Admission is free from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: Racing fans can enjoy free access from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., including all current galleries and special holiday programming.

Evening Commemoration at Madam Walker Legacy Center

One of the city's most significant and long-standing traditions is the 44th Annual MLK Day of Celebration at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. Starting at 7:00 p.m., this free event features Bakari Sellers—an attorney, civil rights advocate, and political commentator—as the distinguished guest speaker. This evening of unity and reflection in the historic Walker Theatre is a staple of the holiday. Early arrival is highly recommended as seating is first-come, first-served and typically fills to capacity quickly.

Arts, Cinema, and Public Spaces

Beyond the museums, there are several unique local events and meetups taking place today for those looking for entertainment or community connection:

• Bicentennial Unity Plaza: Families can enjoy free ice skating at the Elevance Health Rink from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prior reservation is required to secure one of the free holiday slots.
• Kan-Kan Cinema & Brasserie: For film enthusiasts, the theater is hosting a special A/V Club screening of the 1976 classic "The Human Tornado" at 8:00 p.m.
• The Jazz Kitchen: End the holiday with local music at the weekly Jazz Jam Session, which begins at 6:30 p.m. and features some of the city's finest instrumentalists.