These are the best museums in South Bend, Indiana that you can visit. Exploring a museum is one of the best ways you can enjoy and learn about the culture and heritage of a region, and possibly find inspiration for your own works. These museums in South Bend, Indiana are no different, and they’re the best places that showcase local art and pieces of history of the city.
South Bend Museum of Art
The South Bend Museum of Art was founded in 1947. It features galleries of beautiful artworks by artists from Indiana and the nation as a whole. Featuring art from the late 19th century, early 20th century, and more modern times, any art enthusiast is sure to have a fabulous time scrutinizing the excellent showcase of artworks in this museum.
Where is it?
The South Bend Museum of Art is located at 120 South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
What are the hours?
The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from noon until 5 PM. It is open until 8 PM on First Fridays.
How much is admission?
It’s free! Visit southbendart.org for more information
The History Museum
With a single glance at the building’s exterior, you’ll know that the History Museum of South Bend is definitely worth visiting. Aside from the museum itself, there is also a beautiful Victorian mansion depicted in the picture, which is known as the Oliver Mansion. This extravagant 19th-century mansion is one of the jewels of South Bend.
Where is it?
The History Museum is located at 808 West Washington Street.
What are the hours?
The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM. It opens at noon on Sundays. Mansion tours are at 1 PM and 2 PM Monday through Saturday, and they are at 1 PM and 2:30 PM on Sundays.
How much is admission?
Standard admission for adults is $11. Visit historymuseumsb.org for more information.
Studebaker National Museum
The Studebaker National Museum is an essential place to visit if you’re an enthusiast of classic automobiles. As a company, Studebaker made some really beautiful cars that look absolutely timeless. This museum portrays various cars, military vehicles, and other vehicles from American history. Most of the vehicles in the museum were made right here in South Bend. It’s a unique museum that’s really worth visiting.
Where is it?
The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201 Chapin Street.
What are the hours?
The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM. It opens at noon on Sundays.
How much is admission?
Standard admission for adults is $11. Learn more at studebakermuseum.org.
Civil Rights Heritage Center
For students who wish to learn the history of civil rights in South Bend, the Civil Rights Heritage Center is an essential place to visit. Run by Indiana University South Bend, this center showcases documentation that will aid students and teachers as well as any other citizens who wish to learn about the struggles for civil rights in South Bend. The Civil Rights Heritage Center is located in the old Natatorium, which was once a segregated public swimming pool.
Where is it?
The South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center is located at 1040 W. Washington Street.
What are the hours?
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am to 2 pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 3 pm to 7 pm
How much is admission?
Admission is free! Learn more on their website.
