Scene 1

A sunny September day, 1973. People are gathered at 30th and Meridian Streets.

Among those in attendance are Indianapolis Mayor Richard Lugar, Museum Director Mildred Compton, and Board President George Varnes. Using a 19th-century wooden shovel from the museum’s collection, Varnes ceremoniously removes a chunk of dirt from the earth.

And with that, ground has broken on the new building for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Among the many features planned is a 350-seat theater.

Scene 2

Three years later, September 1976. Though the museum’s public opening is not for a few more days, preview events are underway. A champagne dinner in a Level 3 gallery has just ended.

About 400 donors, city and state dignitaries, and special guests make their way down the ramp to the Lower Level.

They are there for a program formally dedicating the performance space as The Ruth Allison Lilly Theater, named after a woman who had generously supported the museum throughout her life.

Metropolitan Opera baritone Robert Merrill and his wife entertain the crowd with selections from Handel, Porgy and Bess, and Fiddler on the Roof.

Scene 1

A magician performs tricks on stage to a chorus of “oohs” and “ahhs” from the audience.

A wide variety of acts graced the stage in the theater’s early days, including animal shows, jugglers, storytellers, a yo-yo performer, a trampoline champion, puppeteers, and yes, magicians.

Gordon Robinson from Sesame Street and Mr. McFeely, the “Speedy Delivery” man from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, also made appearances.

Full-length plays for school groups and families were added by the late 1980s. In the late `90s, youth performers from the Museum Apprentice Arts Path Program were included in summer productions.

Starting in 2000, play selections were based on children’s literature, with the goal of inspiring kids to read.

Today, in addition to productions, the theater also hosts talks by authors, scientists, and artists. A full-time staff of three handles all set, prop, light, sound, and costuming needs.

Scene 2

Originating from the Lower Level, sounds of cheering and noisemakers begin to fill the museum.

Countless shows later, the Lilly Theater’s 50th anniversary is here!

We’re happy to welcome the first show in this special year—Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, an adaptation of Mo Willems’ Caldescott Honor-winning picture book.

That deserves a standing ovation!

Shows take place on the Christel DeHaan stage. Activities are made possible in part by the Indy Arts Council and the City of Indianapolis.