today at the museum Open today 10 am–5 pm
Second Century Soiree logo.

Celebrating 100 years of wonder—and kicking off the next!

Join us for the celebration of a century at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis! The Second Century Soiree is a once-in-a-lifetime black-tie fundraising event honoring 100 years of unforgettable impact in our community—and igniting the possibilities of the next hundred. This swanky evening, exclusively for adults 21 and over, will transform the museum into a glamorous party space filled with immersive experiences, entertainment, and meaningful moments you won’t want to miss.

Friday, Aug. 22

Doors open at 5:45 p.m. for VIP and 7:30 p.m. for Centennial Pass and Main Event ticket holders.

Presented by
Tickets on Sale Now
The Main Event

$300.00

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Starlight Pass

$75.00

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The Main Event: Join us starting at 7:30 p.m. for the centerpiece of our centennial celebration—an evening of elegance, entertainment, and purpose. The Main Event features dazzling performances, chef-curated bites, signature cocktails, and one-night-only experiences in every gallery. Proceeds benefit the museum’s mission to ignite joy, wonder, and curiosity in our second century. Contact the museum at 317-334-4000 for group ticket options and pricing.

Starlight Pass: Celebrate the end of the night under the stars with a late-night pass from 9:45-11 p.m. Grab a drink and a sweet treat and head outside to help us close out the night of the century. The Starlight Pass gets you access to the outdoor sports experience, Ferris wheel rides, and a one-of-a-kind drone show. 

Museum Donors: Log in to your account to receive one free ticket with the purchase of one ticket. One complimentary ticket per membership account.

VIP and Centennial Pass tickets: SOLD OUT

Exclusively for adults 21 and over. Tickets and tables are nonrefundable.

The Experience

This is not your typical gala. This is a night at the museum like you’ve never seen before. The Soiree is a black-tie, museum-wide celebration—a chance to dress up, let loose, and relive the joy and curiosity of childhood with a grown-up twist. Roam the galleries, try something new in every exhibit, and make memories with friends old and new. From iconic photo ops to unexpected surprises, this party is made for exploring.

What to Expect
Something extraordinary in every corner of the museum.
Food & Drink
Expect an elevated culinary experience all evening long.
Attire
It's a black-tie affair, so dress to impress!

100 Years of Impact—and We're Just Getting Started

Your ticket to the Second Century Soiree supports our mission to serve children and families in meaningful and transformative ways.

  • Second Century of Impact Our Second Century Vision includes major new exhibits and expanded community outreach.
  • Over 1.2 Million Visitors Annually We welcome children and families from every walk of life, including 90,000 free and reduced admissions annually.
  • School Partnerships We offer STEM-focused field trips and immersive learning experiences.
  • World-Class Exhibits Iconic exhibits like Dinosphere and Take Me There spark lifelong curiosity and cultural understanding.

What to Expect

Enjoy a night that flows seamlessly from performance to performance, with elevated experiences throughout the museum. Every detail has been designed to surprise and delight for an evening as extraordinary as the milestone we’re celebrating.

Scheduled Highilghts

Orbit Talks | 8:30 p.m. | Schaefer Planetarium and Space Object Theater (Lower Level)
Discover the daring, wonder, and science of spaceflight with NASA astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren, a physician, commander, and veteran of 311 days in orbit.

Threads of Peru Fashion Show | 8:30 & 9:30 p.m. | Take Me There®: Peru (Level 2)
A runway celebration of Peruvian design by local artist Monique Burts.

Take Me There: Then and Now | 8:30 p.m. | Sunburst Atrium (Level 1)
High-energy cultural performances from China and Peru will celebrate the countries featured in the past and present of the beloved Take Me There exhibit series.

The Power of Children® Panel Discussion | 9 p.m. | Lilly Theater (Lower Level)
Be inspired by the power of children at a panel discussion featuring civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, AIDS and anti-bullying activists Jeanne White Ginder and Andrea White, and Doyle Stevick, Executive Director of the Anne Frank Center.

Grand Finale Parade and Drone Show| 10 p.m. | Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience® (outdoor)
Parade with Rex and his mascot friends outdoors, then cap off the evening with a breathtaking drone show—a dazzling finale of color, movement and imagination. After the show, keep the celebration going with rides on the centennial Ferris Wheel until close.
Concept drawing of drone show with a green T. rex and a colorful 1925.

Ongoing Special Activities

Silent Disco | Dinosphere® (Lower Level)
Dance among our dinos. Available 8–10 p.m.

Track to the Future | All Aboard! (Lower Level)
Be among the first to explore a 3D virtual-reality rendering of the exhibit’s upcoming 2026 renovation.

Live Painting | Fireworks of Glass (Lower Level)
Watch our Visiting Artist Kyng Rhodes create a new work in real-time.

Scan-A-Saurus | Sunburst Atrium Mezzanine (Level 2)
Watch our paleontology team scan a giant fossil cast in 3D right before your eyes and learn how this tech enables research and collaboration with partner organizations around the world.

Dreams in Motion | Carousel Wishes and Dreams (Level 4)
Take a peek behind the curtain as we share early sketches and concepts for the future Carousel Land of Imagination exhibit update.

Hot or Not: What’s Radioactive? | Corteva Agriscience ScienceWorks (Level 4)
Discover how the collections team scans objects with XRF technology to spot hidden hazards and protect our staff and the treasures in our care.

Are You Smarter Than A Crow? | Corteva Agriscience STEMLab in Corteva Agriscience ScienceWorks (Level 4)
Put your brain to the test in this puzzle challenge led by a museum scientist – can you solve it faster than a crow?  

Food & Drink

Savor an elevated, chef-curated culinary experience, with gourmet bites, specialty cocktails, fine wines, and signature surprises available on every floor., including nonalcoholic options.

Attire

Dress to impress. Recommended attire is black-tie with a sparkle.

This is your moment to go all out. Think elegant gowns, tuxedos, sharp suits, and plenty of personal flair. Just remember—you’ll be exploring the entire museum, so we recommend comfortable (but fabulous) shoes to keep you on your feet and in the fun all evening long.
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today at the museum