Explore, learn, and be inspired by Delaware County’s nine unique museums full of history, art, and innovation. If you or your family are interested in aviation, fine art, local history, or hands-on learning, Muncie’s museums have something special in store for you.
A Walk Through Time
Begin your journey at the Moore-Youse Historical Museum, a Greek Revival-style home dating back to 1860. Operated by the Delaware County Historical Society, this home offers a glimpse into Muncie’s past through carefully preserved artifacts.
For literature lovers, the Emily Kimbrough Home & Museum details the life of the famed journalist and author. Located in the Old East End, this historic home is also the heart of the annual Old Washington Street Festival.
Few places capture the heart of Muncie like Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Walk the same grounds once home to the Ball family, whose glass empire helped shape the city, or step into The Bob Ross Experience and feel the joy of painting in the very studio where his iconic show was filmed. The 40-acre cultural hub also features beautiful gardens, hands-on exhibits, family activities, community events, and a year-round farmers market, making it a must-visit destination during your trip to town.
A Celebration of Arts and Innovation
Stepping into the David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) at Ball State University is like taking a trip around the world. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 11,000 works spanning 5,000 years. From classical to contemporary pieces, art lovers and casual visitors alike can explore creativity across cultures and centuries.
Step into a tropical oasis at the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, also on Ball State’s campus. This lush, 3,400-square-foot conservatory is home to over 2,000 rare and endangered orchids, offering a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Family-Friendly Learning and Exploration
The Muncie Children’s Museum is an interactive haven where kids can enjoy exhibits designed to promote hands-on learning through play. Your child can explore their imagination aboard the Munsee Express train, in a barnyard, at a grocery store, in a doctor’s office, inside the Big Rig, and more.
Remember the thrill of launching a paper airplane and watching it soar? Now imagine that excitement multiplied by hundreds of expertly crafted model aircraft, each with its own story of design and flight. At the National Model Aviation Museum, visitors of all ages can experience the wonder of flight through scale model planes, interactive flight simulators, and a fascinating collection of aviation artifacts located on the campus of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. (Opening May 5, 2025)
Honoring Local Heritage
There’s something mesmerizing about the way glass catches the light, shifting colors and textures with every angle. The Albany Glass Museum brings that beauty to life with stunning pieces from Indiana’s glassmaking boom in the late 1800s. From beautifully crafted antiques to the stories of the artisans who made them, this hidden gem offers a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of Hoosier history. Guests must make an appointment for a free tour.
Basketball fans can take a deep dive into local sports history at the Muncie Central High Alumni Association Memorabilia Room, housed inside the historic Muncie Fieldhouse. It holds over 6,000 artifacts, including yearbooks, photos, and historic game memorabilia.
Plan Your Visit
Beyond the museums, Muncie’s historic charm can be experienced through a scenic drive in the Old East End or a visit to landmarks like the Cornerstone Center for the Arts and the Rose Court Building.
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