Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library

This is a great museum. It has many artifacts from Kurt Vonnegut's life and work. But that's not all. There is a focus on the things that mattered to him: freedom of expression, local jazz and being a decent human. There is a small concession area that serves snacks and drinks, including some alcohol (after noon for that) as well as a beautiful balcony with views of downtown. Patrons can even rent books. Each time I go I am delighted by something I didn't notice the time before. They offer multiple educational activities and are activists in the fight against censorship. It is also part of N.A.R.M. (North American reciprocal Museum) program. What else could you ask for? Yes there is a small gift shop too.

The genius Kurt Vonnegut!! Being a big fan, I took the opportunity to check out the museum. I enjoyed it! It’s three levels of a building, so there’s a lot to see. The ticket price was fair. The staff were friendly. If you’re a fan I would definitely recommend checking it out!

What a wonderful tribute to one of the best authors that ever lived. Many times I was moved to tears in this, not just from excitement but from the stories shared within the exhibits. Each floor was exciting and new, offering different insight into KV’s life. Lots of awesome items on display, such as his personal typewriter and numerous copies of Cats Cradle in different languages. The gift shop had the best gifts for any KV fan and even some books you don’t see very often. The young woman in the gift shop was super friendly and made our visit seamless. I will absolutely be back! Loved this place!

I had the pleasure of visiting in July, and this turned out to be the highlight of my summer! I highly recommend that all Vonnegut fans go out of their way to include this stop in their travels, as it is a true gem. Their collection of artifacts is amazing, and the staff are knowledgeable and extremely kind. My personal favorite part was getting to actually sit at Kurt's desk and type on one of his typewriters. What a treat! Thank you, Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library for going above and beyond to offer a wonderful experience. You're doing important work :)

Loved them museum. Such a nice tribute to one of our country’s best authors. The gift shop had a lot of his books some of which you don’t see as often. They also have a coffee shop and a great balcony to sit and enjoy a nice day. I would stop back again.

The perfect stop for any true Vonnegut fan. The slaughterhouse five exhibit on the third floor is worth the visit alone. It's a miracle he survived. God must have had a plan for him to write those great works....

Stopped in for a quick visit today to avoid the rain and would have loved to curl up there with a book. There’s lots of spots to sit and read & write, a cocktail bar, a gift shop, and of course the history of Vonnegut’s life and works. The displays are modern and interesting. There’s a small parking lot, clean restrooms, and an elevator.

I would not necessarily consider myself an emotional person, nor did I come into this museum with extensive knowledge of Vonnegut. This place brought me to tears multiple times: the banned bookshelf, the commencement speech, and the third floor dedicated to Slaughterhouse 5 were so moving. Google recommended I give it 30 minutes to peruse but I believe at minimum and hour is needed. The espresso ice cream is terrific and incredibly affordable. If there are places where you remember what it is to have a soul, this is one of those places.

I really enjoyed this museum. It's small, but in a way that makes it feel personal. They have pieces from his real life and the stories behind them are so interesting. The staff was super kind and they enjoyed hosting us for our small gathering that afternoon. You can just feel how they care for this place. I wasn't there long, but the time I did spend felt meaningful and worth it. If you're in Indy and want something different that makes you think a little, definitely stop by.

i'll bet you didn't know there was a Kurt Vonnegut connection to Indianapolis! Well, there is. And this is the place where you will find a variety of items connected with Vonnegut and his magnificent writing. you may remember some of the titles: Cats Cradle, Slaughterhouse Five, Breakfast of Champions. If you have the time and the inclination, or if you're a fan, this is an absolute must visit location while in the Circle City. ***

A quirky, offbeat museum that's as fascinating as Kurt Vonnegut himself. I will say it doesn't go chronologically, and it doesn't handhold visitors through a specific timeline. However, the the exhibits are thoughtful and interesting, and there is plenty of depth to the content that provides context to the author's works. I also appreciated the overall vibe of the museum. Between ping pong in the lobby and the bar on the second floor, it's a very different type of museum that feels more like a community center in some ways. We only checked out the exhibits this time, but I could see borrowing a book from the library and settling in for a nice long read here.

I was so enamored by what I learned at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum that I immediately went to the library and checked out an armful of his books. Vonnegut was raised in Indy, his father was a prominent architect in town and grandfather was a businessman. Kurt mentions Indiana in many of his books and some characters are based on his life. The museum is located in a historic building near downtown Indianapolis. There is limited free parking, we got there early and snagged a space. Admission varies depending on age but it was around $10/person. There are three levels to the museum packed Kurt's story starting on the third floor. Kurt was a prisoner of war during WWII at the age of 18. The experiences of wartime influenced his writing significantly. A coffee and beer/wine bar is located on the second floor with Vonnegut inspired cocktails. A classroom for young writers was showing a film of Vonnegut giving a graduation address. Stories of women that influenced Kurt are showed on the second floor. On the first floor, is a small art gallery, copies of Vonnegut's books for sale and other gift items for purchase. Some of the books are banned in schools, so the museum will send out copies to people who request copies. I was intrigued to read why books of a war hero would be banned, so I am working my way through the collection. The museum offers writing programs for young people and veterans. They have also built writing rooms in some of the local schools in memory of Vonnegut. All in all, the museum is eye opening to a legend that had Indiana roots and an amazing story. I highly recommend a visit. I will be taking my granddaughters next time.

I should give this place 5 stars for existing because Kurt Vonnegut is my favorite author. However, I'll give it 4 to give an honest review. Despite being 3 stories, the museum is rather small. The 1st floor is mainly gift shop with some social/education area about banned books also here. The 2nd floor has a bar for a drink, coffee or a snack and some displays about the women in Kurt's life like his mom, caretaker, sister and 1st wife. The 3rd floor has a more timeline approach to Kurt's life as well as more details of his time in Dresden. There are not a lot of artifacts from Kurt other than one of his typewriters but then again, I really don't know what they could have. "Here's a pair of tighty whities with a slight shit stain that Kurt wore in 1966 while teaching in Iowa" There is a lot of art work from him and others based on his writings that was really cool. I picked up a sticker for my travel wall, a beer glass and a T-shirt with an asshole on it. Assholes look like this *

My husband is a big fan of KV so we were happy when we realized this was a 20 minute walk from our hotel in Indianapolis. It was a hot walk full of sun so happy to be AC for a bit while we perused the museum. All in all it's a super cool museum. I learned a lot about Kurt and his family. My husband got to get some neat shirts and a hardcover collection of all his works. The staff was very nice. The bartender upstairs walked us through our drink and ice cream options. Everyone was really great.

This was my kind of museum. It was small and very well-curated. There were lots of interesting stories and artifacts. And the fort ship Tulare tons of fun things to check out. The museum felt very consistent with the Vonnegut vibe.

Wow! Tbh as someone not originally from Indy, I had no idea who KV was. I saw it was an old white dude author of books I've never read and thought "meh". I got introduced to it when a colleague wanted to use the museum as an event venue. That didn't pan out but soon after I took a group there for a creative social justice writing class. It was amazing!!! The event itself was great and they gave us Bazbeux Pizza! And the employees were so nice. And the art was gorgeous! Membership is only $30 for students and educators. There is a coffee bar, indoor seating, and an awesome balcony with probably 7-ish circular table with chairs. What an amazing resource for our community!! I can't wait to return.

In town for a goose concert worth the stop for fans. I'll be back when I can spend more time.

This place is a gem. A must for any Vonnegut fan and a fantastic experience for everyone. We have been twice, and it keeps getting better. It has wonderful meeting and event spaces, and the staff is top notch. This is the perfect tribute to the man, his legacy, and his values.

Wandering to this museum with some family visiting fr out of town. We did not make an appointment for a tour (we didn't know) but thankfully they were able to accommodate us and get us on the schedule. In the tour you learn about Kurt Vonnegut's life, drawings, writing etc. I just say, I've never read any Vonnegut not did I know anything about him- but everyone I was with were fans. We were given a wonderful guided tour and I'm pleased to say I am now up to speed on all things Vonnegut. During the tour we saw things such as a replica of his workspace, a wall of banned books and a slaughterhouse 5 exhibit. There was a lot to look at including original items of Vonnegut and his family. There are 3 floors of things to see and on the second floor they kept the bar from the previous restaurant. It looks like they sold beer & wine for events as well. On the way out you can browse the gift shop and grab books, coasters, shirts and much more. A nice tour & very knowledgeable guide!

Covid Times Thanks to my extended time on the ground in Indy, I have finally found the time to tackle my "Local Places to Visit" list. If you are Vonnegut fan, this must visit. Highlights: +The museums and library's new space (a former restaurant) offers more space to display items and exhibits than the older space. Currently, the first floor still has a bit of construction ongoing, and coming together nicely. + The museum has three floors; however, if you are unable to navigate the stairs, there is an elevator. The first floor has the library books (including a banned books session) and what would have been some tables to sit and rest at, but thanks to Covid, they were put up. The second floor has a small gift shop, the bar/event space with patio seating outside with a 'Happy Birthday Wanda June' design, a small exhibit space , and Kurt's old typewriter. The third floor is currently exhibiting and featuring painting passed on Slaughter House Five. + The museum has a small parking lot available, as well as paid for street parking off of Indiana Ave. Tips: ***Due to Covid, the tours are restricted in size and times. You will need to book a tour ahead of time, and the tour lasts for about 30 minutes.

A small museum dedicated to Kurt Vonnegut. Probably takes about 30 minutes to visit. If you're in the area it's well worth a visit to learn about an Indy legend.

Really enjoyed visiting the historic Vonnegut Museum. First Monday of the month so free admission. Also easy to donate and support the free speech programs. Be sure to check out the wall of banned or proposed to be banned books. You will be amazed at the many books that are Great American literature and wonder about the small mindedness of those proposing book bans. I got a chuckle seeing Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The irony of it all. Vonnegut is timeless...

A fitting tribute to one of America's greatest writers. Small but full of Vonnegut ephemera and a bastion in the fight against book banning and other forms of idiocy.

I initially went to the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library for the Alice Wonderland experience Saturday Feb 11th, but I arrived at that event too late so I couldn't go, and thought I would explore the museum more. Some facts about the late great American Writer Kurt Vonnegut he was from Indianapolis, born November 11th, my birthday is November 10th, there's a mural of Kurt Vonnegut on a side of a building on Mass Ave, he played the clarinet in high school, and I also played the clarinet too. Kurt Vonnegut did graduate from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis in 1936. At, the time of Kurt Vonnegut death he had written fourteen novels, three short-story collections, five plays, and five nonfiction books. I thought it was really cool seeing his original items that he used to use at the museum. Then, I went back to Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library Wednesday Feb 15th that night to actually experience The Alice Wonderland experience, and I had a good time. I'm glad that the Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library is in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.

Finally had the opportunity to visit! It's three stories tall with a coffee bar and gift shop inside. We spent a little over an hour here and it was both informative and artistic. I didn't know too much about his life and this museum makes me want to read his books more!

I saw Robert B. Weide's documentary about Vonnegut before I visited the museum. It enhanced the experience of visiting the museum and helped me understand more. The documentary and the museum were very thought provoking. Strongly recommend.

Fun since I love his work being an old hippie! Easy we would have Gone on a day with a tour. Next time. I guess!

Today I crossed off one of my Indy bucket list items--Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library I never found time to visit it before it moved to its new location, but I am glad I set aside time to explore here today. The first Monday of the month there is no admission fee, but the other days the fee is well worth the $12. I am a huge fan of Vonnegut, so all of the items were significant to me. The third floor was mostly about his time during the war, and specifically related to Slaughterhouse Five. The second floor had a small community room, lending library, and a little dainty decorated bar of sorts where you could buy coffee and sit on the balcony overlooking Indiana Avenue, right across the street from the Madame Walker Theatre (also on my bucket list!!) The first floor also had some interesting artifacts and artwork, and focused more on censorship. There was a little gift shop where I picked up a T-shirt that I can't wait to wear. It's all very handicap accessible (which is why I was scouting it out), and I can't wait to come back with the twins. If you live in Indy, or find yourself driving thru, and appreciate Vonnegut and his contributions to literature and communities, I would DEFINITELY carve out a little time to wander around this well curated little gem.

Wow! What a cool experience right here in downtown Indy. As a local, I've heard the Vonnegut name for most of my life, but wasn't that familiar with the author's work until recently. Having just read "Slaughterhouse Five" and a collection of short stories "Welcome to the Monkey House", I got an appreciation for how imaginative and engaging the author was. The museum is open for visitors to view with three floors of items and artwork, a book store, and soon, a coffee shop. But if you want to get your money's worth, contact the museum to find out when the guided tours are...they make the experience so much better. My tour guide was very knowledgeable and had a sense of wit that complemented the author's. The museum has several sections which are interesting for different reasons. One section has a collection of banned books and I just can't get over that some narrow minded communities think that ideas can be shut down. Hint: There's a thing called the internet and people will get whatever they want, so don't be an * about it. There are also books that are by authors that inspired Vonnegut or fit into the styles of writing that the author liked. Note that members of the museum can take advantage of the lending library here. Up on the second floor is a gift/book shop where you can find items to purchase related to the author. On the third floor, there was a Slaughterhouse Five exhibit that features a lot of text and imagery from the author's time as a prisoner of war after the Battle of the Bulge during WWII when he was forced to march to Dresden and kept in an underground slaughterhouse. Also of note is that if you go online at the station on the second floor, you will find a wide variety of information and images about Vonnegut for you to explore. For those who have trouble negotiating stairs, there is an elevator available. I highly recommend this museum for adults who consider themselves free thinkers. I don't think this is a place that children would appreciate simply because they probably won't have had enough life experience to understand the ideas and concepts the author wrote about. Parking is free in the mini lot that surrounds the building with access off Indiana Avenue as well as West St/MLK Blvd. Metered Street parking is also available on Indiana Ave. The tour lasted about 40 minutes (mine started at 11 a.m.) Definitely worth checking out to get a fuller experience from the museum. Review #3604

A beautiful testament to Kurt's vision and ethos, a faithful and dignified dedication to America's irreverent literary treasure. Small, but thoughtful and touching. Came here spontaneously on a foggy afternoon and had a wonderful time perusing the three floors. They also provide scheduled group tours. Also, awesome gift shop. Had the opportunity to introduce some of my workmates to his legacy, although none of them were interested in practicing boko-maru with me on the floor of the gift shop. So it goes.

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is a bright, clean, commodious, welcoming space that champions the literary, artistic, and cultural contributions of the late writer, artist, teacher, and Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut. Opened just last fall at this, its new permanent location just southeast across West Street from the Madam Walker Legacy Center on Indiana Avenue in downtown Indianapolis, it is housed in the historical three-story brick and limestone Emelie Building. There is limited free parking adjacent to the building and additional metered parking along Indiana Avenue. Attractions of the library include a museum, an art gallery, and a reading room as well as a permanent Slaughterhouse-Five exhibition and much more. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Whether a life-long fan of Vonnegut or an individual new to his life and work, the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library offers an informative, thought provoking, engaging, and totally enjoyable experience for anyone.

Coming here was an amazing experience for me. I felt very inspired, informed and comfortable throughout the hours I spent there. The third floor slaughterhouse 5 exhibit was very well curated. I was moved to see his family history, his Purple Heart, and the typewriter he used to write his great works. The library was stunning and cozy, located right next to the bokonon lounge. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the vibes which I really appreciate. Unlike any museum I've ever been to. Worth the visit!

A local gem! When I walked in, I asked the tour guide what the purpose of life was. He answered, "to fart around." Truer words have never been spoken . The museum is small, about three floors. There's plenty of street making. The tour costs about $12 and takes about an hour or so. The first floor has recreation of K-Von's writing space and the third floor has a small bar/concert venue. If you are a paid member, you can borrow any books from their library for free that somehow are related to Vonnegut's literary interests. The tour covers his life from birth to death. They make sure to include his many quips he made about Hoosiers and to highlight the Vonnegut family's relationship to Indianapolis. As you can imagine, K-Von was somewhat troubled and quite a character - did you know he added a doodle of a b-hole whenever he signed his name? I doubt someone would find much of interest here if they haven't read any of his books, though.

I had a lovely time visiting this gem of a place. The staff are nice, friendly, and knowledgeable. A must if you are in the area.

I've wanted to get here for a while and finally made it on a Saturday morning. I don't think the weekday hours are correct online, as it seems only a few days offer tours. Also, it seems they like you show up on the hour for a guided tour. Which I liked, but I wouldn't have known unless I called the day before. There is parking and it is easy to get to from anywhere around Indy. Bought some merch to support.

If you are a Vonnegut fan you will love the personal items and history at this museum. It is a small place but has many displaces filled with details about his life.

Great, small museum in a beautiful building. Tour guide well informed and friendly. Clearly a labor of love all around. Don't miss it.

A fantastic tribute to the best Hoosier. So glad I made time to visit. I enjoyed learning more about Vonnegut's activism and the art was just great. Very knowledgeable guide and pleasant people run the joint.