Top 10 Coolest Midwest Museums 2014

Grohmann Museum Rooftop Sculptures

Museums are more than just somewhere you are forced to go on an elementary school field trip. After you grow up (and are no longer required to go) you find out they are nice. Even tasty in some cases.

Whatever your interests there is a good chance a museum devoted to it exists somewhere. Unfortunately many museums have little or no budget available for marketing and go unknown. Food, music, military, fine and performing arts, outer space, underground and on land, water and wheels ~ pretty much anything goes. Below are the ones I believe should make someone's bucket list.

Top 10 Coolest
Midwest Museums 2014

GROHMANN MUSEUM

More than 1,000 paintings, mosaics and sculptures line the walls, floors and rooftop paying homage to the laborers throughout history in the Eckhart G. Grohmann "Man at Work" collection, located in Milwaukee. The passion of Dr. Grohmann encompasses works (from 1580 through post WWII era) depicting farmers, glass blowers, miners and other trades people he had watched as a child in Germany. Dr. Grohmann happened to be in the museum when I visited and proved to be a delightful and gracious host, passionate in his respect to working men and women, stemming from his days spent at his grandfather's marble processing plant.

GrohmannMuseum.org

NATIONAL MUSTARD MUSEUM

Is there anyone who hasn't had a hot dog slathered with the bright yellow goo known as mustard? With literally hundreds of flavors, mustard is the new black in the world of condiments. Located near Madison, in Middleton, Wisconsin is the coolest of quirky when it comes to museums. From the hundreds of different types of mustard to try (and purchase), to Poupon U mustard university, to the fresh pretzels and hot dogs in house to eat for lunch with, what else, mustard, this is the only museum devoted to the yellow spread. Spicy, sweet, maple ~ even chocolate ~ can be found in a jar, bottle or tube, along with mustard serving spoons and dishes dating to the beginning of mustardom.

MustardMuseum.com

CRANBROOK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE

Michigan's Museum of Natural History
This is one of those museums adults love to go to even though they'll pretend it's really for the kids. The scientific section of the Cranbrook Educational Community in Bloomfield Hills (metro Detroit), is the ultimate spot for learning about the world around us. Featuring, among many other areas, a Bat Zone, planetarium theater, observatory, and plant gardens, summer programs are also popular, along with overnights and themed lectures and galeries.
Science.Cranbrook.edu

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME MUSEUM

From The Everly Brothers to The Beatles and on to Van Halen, music has been a part of American history as the inventor of the rock and roll genre. The coolest list would not be complete without the Cleveland, OH music pillar. Fans flock from around the world to see thousands of artifacts including, concert posters, instruments and rockers' jewelry among other items. Exhibits, live entertainment and inductee ceremonies give music lovers a one-stop venue to enjoy all that is Rock and Roll.

RockHall.org

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF MAGIC

Highlighting the masters of magic through thousands of artifacts, the Marhsall, MI shares the history, memorabilia and artifacts of such famous magicians as Harry Houdini and Harry Blackstone, among others. Children and adults alike will find fascinating items in this educational and fun museum. Gifts, books and magicians' coins are available in the gift shop. Supported by the National Endowment of Arts, research appointments are available at the archive center which houses more than four centuries of information about magic and magicians.
AmericanMuseumofMagic.org

INDIANA MEDICAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Located in Indianapolis, this museum is one which will surprise you with the background story. The history of the Old Pathology Building places it on the campus once used as the Central State (Mental) Hospital. The National Register of Historic Places building features an autopsy room, amphitheater lecture hall and three clinical laboratories used in the beginning era of psychiatric medicine. On the grounds, also, is the Medicinal Plant Garden, featuring more than 90 medicinal plants for education and demonstration purposes. It is maintained by Purdue Master Gardeners of Marion County.

IMHM.org

CITY MUSEUM

St. Louis is the home to the Cardinals, the Arch and the Mighty Mississippi River, it's true. However, this hands- and feet- on interactive museum might be even more popular. The 10-story spiral slide begins on the rooftop where you'll find a school bus hanging off the building's edge and various midway equipment (still working and safe). It will wind you down through floors of enchanted caves, the shoelace factory and MonstroCity. Tours, educational programs and age-appropriate activities solidify the learning-through-fun premise.

CityMuseum.org

MARK TWAIN BOYHOOD HOME & MUSEUM

Few literary figures elicit a museum, and this is a personal favorite author from my childhood. A town of sorts, complete with Grant's era-replicated drug store, Becky Thatcher's home, Twain's boyhood home and father's law office. Merging Twain's actual childhood and literary characters creates a 3D historical situation. Interactive events (whitewashing the famous fence) free outdoor musical concerts and walking tours of the eight building compound make this a family friendly museum.

MarkTwainmuseum.org

FIRST DIVISION MUSEUM AT CANTIGNY

Located just west of Chicago is Cantigny Park, 500 acres of gardens, golf, camping and picnic grounds open to the public, along with two museums. First Division Museum preserves, interprets and presents the history of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, "in order to promote understanding of American military history and affairs." Gardens, live music evenings and exhibits, such as "WE NEED YOU! Propaganda of the Great War," and the Historic Military Vehicle Collection make this a museum, gardens and park not just for military, history and vehicle buffs.

FirstDivisionMuseum.org

ELLWOOD HOUSE
Step back in time to a world changing rapidly at the 1879 home of barbed wire entrepreneur, Isaac Ellwood, situated in Dekalb, IL. The three-story mansion features original Victorian style architecture and Gothic Revival, Georgian and Colonial Revival styles through subsequent remodeling projects. Gardens, exhibits and the home are open to the public for tours, events and an extensive interactive youth program, which focuses on art, history and nature. Children will be able to hunt for replicas of sea life, dragons and other creatures within paintings, carved into wood and throughout the mansion.

EllwoodHouse.org

Images were provided~

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Stutz Artists Offers Holiday Open House During First Friday Dec. 6

Sidewalk Symphony

*press release* The Stutz Artists Association is offering a holiday version of its annual open house on Dec. 6 with 30 open artists’ studios, an exhibition featuring art for gift-giving and the second annual bicycle selection for artists participating in an upcoming competition. The Stutz Business Center is located at 212 W. 10th St., Indianapolis (Enter from 10th Street via alley).

For the first time ever on a First Friday in the evening, visitors will be able to roam the massive building to find approximately 30 studios in which artists will be hosting receptions from 6 to 9 p.m.

“Splendid Menagerie” exhibition will be in part of the Raymond James Stutz Art Gallery on the first floor featuring small and large works created with gift-giving in mind. Art will include paintings and graphics, jewelry of many different styles and materials, greeting cards, photography, and fabric arts including quilting and hand dyed wall art.

Another part of the gallery will feature the “IDADA First in Line” show featuring snapshots of the people who bought artwork. IDADA will hold a reception and sale on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. Visit Idada.org for more details.

The evening will be complete with the second annual bicycle selection for reCYCLE pARTS II, a juried art exhibit and competition in May 2014. One-by-one, participating artists will pick an entire bike starting at 7 p.m. Artists will draw a number at registration that determines the order of bicycle selection. All art in the show will be created including at least three pieces of the selected bicycle.

COST: Free and open to the public
INFO: StutzArtists.com or (317) 503-6420
Image: Julia Zollman Wickes. studio-B335

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) Summer Nights Film Series 2013 Lineup

Summer Nights Film Series is back for another great lineup of flicks to watch by starlight. It doesn't really get much better than that. You can take a picnic, blanket and your favorite movie monkey and enjoy a classic on the big screen.

Fridays, at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Rd., black and white cult classics, thrillers and 1980's sing-out-loud with the soundtrack films are shown throughout the summer ~ outdoors under a blanket of stars.

What you can bring: Picnic blankets and lawn chairs, non-alcoholic beverages, food, candles, bug repellent and citronella candles. I like that costumes are welcome and encouraged, particularly with the '80s movies.

Don't bring: candles over 12 inches, pets (sorry), grills, weapon (including knives),cigars/cigarettes and alcohol (they sell it).

New this year - the film fans get to choose the final flick. John Hughes fans will love the choices. Follow the link and cast a vote for your favorite John Hughes film by visiting the IMA Blog. At the end of voting, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club or Pretty in Pink will be screened on August 30. The John Hughes selection is presented in partnership with the LGBT Indianapolis Film Festival.

2013 Summer Nights Film Schedule

*Film schedule subject to change*

June 7

Pillow Talk

(1959, dir. by Michael Gordon, 102 mins., NR)

June 14

Jurassic Park

(1993, dir. by Steven Spielberg, 127 mins., PG-13)

June 21

Dirty Dancing

(1987, dir. by Emile Ardolino, 97 mins., PG-13)

June 28

National Lampoon’s Animal House

(1978, dir. by John Landis, 109 mins., R)

July 5

Raiders of the Lost Ark

(1981, dir. by Steven Spielberg, 115 mins., PG)

July 12

The King and I

(1956, directed by Walter Lang, 133 mins., G)

July 19

The Exorcist

(1973, directed by William Friedkin, 121 mins., R)

July 26

Notorious

(1946, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, 101 mins., NR)

August 2

There’s Something About Mary

(1998, dir. by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly, 118 mins., R)

August 9

Hoosiers

(1986, dir. by David Anspaugh, 114 mins., PG)

August 16

The Big Sleep

(1946, dir. by Howard Hawks, 114 mins., NR)

August 23

Rushmore

(1998, dir. by Wes Anderson, 93 mins., R)

August 30

John Hughes Vote

(Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, or Pretty in Pink)

Ticket: IMA members $6 /adults $10 /children 6 and under free (ticket required). Tickets are available online at www.imamuseum.org, at the IMA Welcome Center or by calling 317-955-2339. Tickets are non-refundable. 

NEW THIS YEAR: Show your ATM, Debit, or Credit card from The National Bank of Indianapolis and receive $1 off admission.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Free Admission to White River State Park for MLK, Jr. Day Jan. 21

*Press Release*

INDIANAPOLIS – For the 13th year in a row, visitors to White River State Park attractions will receive free admission and free parking on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 21, with a canned good donation (one can per person, per attraction).

MLK DAY FREE ACTIVITIES

Indianapolis Zoo

Visitors can walk the grounds and see lots of animals, especially the ones that love the cooler temperatures. Favorite activities include the 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. dolphin shows, indoor shark petting in the nation’s largest shark touch pool and heating things up with the meerkats in Deserts Dome.

IMAX Theater

Born To Be Wild and To The Arctic will be shown for free until 5 p.m. Born To Be Wild follows young orphaned elephants and orangutans on the trip of a lifetime, from birth to their rebirth into the wild. This family friendly documentary transports moviegoers around the world to the far stretches of Kenya and Borneo and inspires them to take action and save earth’s precious creatures. To The Arctic is an emotional, kid-friendly story of love, family and hope. Captivating and intimate footage brings moviegoers up close and personal with this family’s struggle to survive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks.

NCAA Hall of Champions

Warm-up with a complimentary cup of hot chocolate or coffee and learn more about what it takes to be an NCAA student-athlete. Ronald Nored, a former basketball student-athlete from Butler University will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will have a storytime for children. There will be continuous screenings of "Game of Change," a documentary that reaches far beyond sports, demonstrating the significance of the game of basketball in the struggle for racial equality. There will also be opportunities to win official NCAA merchandise throughout the day.

Indiana State Museum

Films, activities, poetry and performance art fill the museum as the life and times of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are celebrated. “Tragedy, Trains, Truth & Tales” will be performed by Arts for Learning actors as part of the Indiana Affiliate of Young Audiences. And, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, visitors can view original signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery. The Canal Café and the historic L.S. Ayres Tea Room will be serving lunch; reservations recommended for the Tea Room.

Eiteljorg Museum

Visitors can immerse themselves in Native American and Western cultures with the museum's many exhibits. Don't miss your chance to visit National Geographic: Greatest Photographs of the American West. The exhibit features the best images of the West published by National Geographic over its 125-year history and includes works by nearly 80 photographers including Ansel Adams, Edward S. Curtis and Annie Griffiths. And be sure to check out the lunch specials at the Eiteljorg Museum Cafe.

Victory Field

 From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., health care professionals from Wishard will offer health screenings and general information about Wishard services. Nurses will also be available to discuss the importance of primary and preventive care. Health screening participants will each receive two free tickets to Opening Day at Victory Field (April 4). Plus, Rowdie, the Indians mascot, will stop by for autographs.

FREE PARKING

The Park is also offering complimentary parking on MLK, Jr. Day. Visitors may park in the underground garage located off Washington Street in front of the Indiana State Museum, in the surface parking lots at the Indianapolis Zoo and Victory Field, and in the surface parking lot across from Victory Field next to the Park's Visitor's Center. Parking is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Park’s partnership with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana has resulted in more than 75 tons of non-perishable, canned food donations over the years from this one-day, annual event. That weight of food is the equivalent of approximately 28 zoo elephants, or 15 mastodons that once roamed Indiana, or 150 western horses, or 468,000 professional baseballs, or 273 full-length IMAX movie reel platters, or 109,000 collegiate-level basketballs.

Images provided by WRSP
For more information about White River State Park, visit WhiterRverStatePark.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Heartland Actors’ Shakespeare on the Canal returns to White River State Park

Othello

July 20-22, 2012

Free performances open to the public

WHATHeartland Actors’ Repertory Theatre (HART) returns to White River State Park with a full-scale production of Shakespeare’s Othello. HART’s Shakespeare on the Canal at White River State Park stands as the only full-scale, professional “Shakespeare-in-the-Park” event in Indianapolis. Each summer, the series has collectively attracted more than 6,000 Hoosier audience members since its debut in 2008.

WHERE
Celebration Plaza Amphitheater-White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis

WHEN
July 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., and July 22 at 2 p.m.

HART’s 2012 Shakespeare on the Canal in White River State Park is FREE open to the public, made possible through the generous support of The Lily Endowment, Central Indiana Community Foundation and the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, as well as other donations from private individuals.

Audience members are encouraged to arrive early to the free event in order to enjoy picnics and live pre-show music and events on the lawn of the Celebration Plaza Amphitheatre.

For information, directions and events, visit WhiteRiverStatePark.org.

For more HART information, visit HeartlandActors.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and several newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Taste of Downtown Street Festival 2011 August 6

Easley Winery's 8th Annual Taste of Downtown Free Street Festival Saturday, August 6

Press release*** Indianapolis, IN - On Saturday, August 6, from 4-10 pm, Easley Winery's Taste of Downtown free street festival returns to  N. College Avenue between Ohio Street and New York Street for its eighth annual event. With estimated attendance of 6,000-9,000 attendees, guests can marvel at the beauty of car design, with more than 50 highly collectible vintage and classic cars, tour a full production "grape to glass" urban winery, sample and purchase wines made on site, and enjoy music from top local talents.      Taste of Downtown will feature three great funk, island, and cover bands. Visitors can view and buy local art, eat great food from Indy's best food purveyors, and grab a cold bottle of award-winning Easley wines. This year, "Taste of Downtown" is giving event-goers the opportunity to win a chance to sing with The Tides, the featured band for the 8th annual "Taste of Downtown." The interactive singing opportunity begins at 4 pm with the Reggae Guy Smart Phone Scavenger Hunt. Quick Response codes (QR codes) will be posted throughout the event and must be discovered in order to find the next clue via your smart phone.  There will be three lucky scavenger hunt winners who can sing or swing a tambourine with the band. Winners will also receive a custom tie dyed "Raise the Reggae" shirt. Featured restaurant fare will include: pulled pork, ribs, grilled hamburgers, brats, 1/3 beef hot dogs, Jamaican patties, fruit smoothies, pizza, and more provided by restaurants including Dick's Bodacious BBQ, Da Blue Lagoon, Emkay Catering, and Byrne's Grilled Pizza.

Taste of Downtown is a free street festival, where the only admission is a requested food donation benefitting Gleaners Food Bank.Musical acts include: Toy Factory, 4-6 pm; Goodnight Gracie, 6-8 pm and The Tides, 8-10 pm.Various street exhibits will include featured work by local artists and promotional giveaways from travel companies and local businesses.

Winery tours are free and are conducted every half hour, beginning at 4pm. Easley Winery has been located in Downtown Indianapolis since 1974, and all wines are made at the 205 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis location.  Regular winery hours for wine tasting and education are Monday-Saturday: 9:00am-6:00pm and Sunday: 12:00-4:00pm, with free tours on Saturdays and Sundays starting at noon. For information, directions and schedule, visit www.EasleyWinery.com Photos provided by Easley Winery

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Indianapolis Artsgarden Schedule May 2011

May 2011 Free Events at Arts Garden

5

Patchwork

Traditional folk, Celtic & old time music

12:15 p.m.

6

Frank Jonez

Christian singer & songwriter

12:15 p.m.

10

The England Brothers

Acoustic duo

12:15 p.m.

11

Greg Ziesemer

Original acoustic singer & songwriter

12:15 p.m.

12

The Hofbrau Band

Traditional German band

12:15 p.m.

13

Manship Loo Combo

A little jazz, country & pop blues

12:15 p.m.

14

IUPUI Music Academy Performathon

End of semester student recital

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

15

Julie Towns & Chronicle

Pop, rock & country

2:00 p.m.

16

Herron High School Choral Concert

Students performing various vocal

selections

6:30 p.m.

17

The Mizfits

Blues, jazz & folk

12:15 p.m.

20

Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis

Musical performance

12:15 p.m.

21

The Tides

Caribbean, island, reggae & mix of pop

1:00 p.m.

24

Bill Price Duo

Original acoustic folk music

12:15 p.m.

25

Sabrina Falls

Celtic harpist

12:15 p.m.

26

Doug Sauter & Kate Lamont

Original acoustic music

12:15 p.m.

27

The Gust Spenos Quartet

Swingin’ jazz standards from the American

songbook

12:15 p.m.

29

Laura Robinson-Hiner

Celtic harp & piano jazz standards

2:00 p.m.

31

Paul Holdman Trio

Blues, rockabilly & surf

12:15 p.m.

Visit indyarts.org for more information.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.