Carmel Arts and Design District Travel Guide

Indianapolis

Carmel Arts and Design District showing flowers, a fountain and signage
Carmel Arts and Design District
Carmel Arts and Design District which includes signage
Carmel Arts and Design District featuring outdoor art and a statue or sculpture
Carmel Arts and Design District featuring outdoor art

Search through the galleries and studios of Carmel's downtown arts district for antique pieces and unique works of art for your home. 

Go on a tour of the Carmel Arts and Design District, a booming cultural hotspot of galleries, antique stores, restaurants, interior designers and specialty retail shops. Purchase original paintings and sculptures, participate in classes and events that support the development of the arts or simply relax in a bustling enclave of creativity.

Enter the district through one of its four brick gateways. Browse the galleries and studios and purchase paintings and sculptures by local and international artists.

On the second Saturday of every month, join the free gallery art walk, an opportunity to quiz artists about their work and inspirations.

Open up your creativity in art classes hosted by a small number of galleries. For a full list of special events, visit the district’s official website.

As you make your way through the district, pause to study the outdoor life-size sculptures. Among them are painted figures of a street musician playing a violin, a police officer greeting a passerby and a gray-haired businessman sitting on a bench reading his newspaper. These works of art were created by J. Seward Johnson Jr., an American sculptor who is noted for the realism of his work.

Rummage through specialty stores and antique shops and pick up some home décor ideas from the district's interior designer showrooms.

Enjoy lunch, dinner and refreshments in any of the cafés and restaurants scattered throughout the area.

After your visit, consider a run, hike or bike ride. The district has direct access to the Monon Trail, a biking, walking and running trail that follows an old railway line through parts of Indiana. It links parks, state fairgrounds and commercial and residential areas.

The Carmel Arts and Design District is located in the heart of downtown Carmel, about 23 miles (37 kilometers) from downtown Indianapolis and about 27 miles (44 kilometers) from Indianapolis International Airport. Find free and paid parking spaces throughout the district.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Carmel Arts and Design District

Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
3.5 out of 5
2544 Executive Dr, Indianapolis, IN
The price is £94 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£94
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,238 reviews)
Second Visit to Indy Area
"Second stay here this year. Good room, staff, bar, restaurant. Crew is working on improving grounds"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
4 out of 5
31 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN
The price is £95 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
£95
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The rooftop pool was great, my 6 year old son had a blast. Our suite was clean and spacious. The only downside was the parking garage being closed, however that is temporary."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing
4 out of 5
8787 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN
The price is £94 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£94
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,255 reviews)
"Great place to stay! Very accommodating to meet the needs we had. Easy access to travel ways."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing
Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
3.5 out of 5
110 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is £142 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£142
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Very clean and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
2.5 out of 5
414 West Vermont Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is £112 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
£112
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (611 reviews)
"Very clean, quiet very good staff"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
Ironworks Hotel Indy
Ironworks Hotel Indy
4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is £154 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£154
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,485 reviews)
"This property is a unique upscale treat. Sounds crazy, but the shower is what I look forward to the most. The food options are wonderful. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Love staying here."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Ironworks Hotel Indy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Carmel Arts and Design District

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Castleton

Travellers come to Castleton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Castleton Square and Dave & Buster's while you're in town.

Castleton
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Broad Ripple

While Broad Ripple isn't home to many top sights, Indianapolis Art Center and Glendale Shopping Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Broad Ripple
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Meridian-Kessler

If you're spending some time in Meridian-Kessler, Indiana State Fairgrounds and Marsh Grandstand are top sights worth seeing.

Meridian-Kessler
Fort Harrison State Park which includes autumn colours, forests and landscape views

Lawrence

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Lawrence. You might want to make time for a stop at Fort Harrison State Park or Post Road Recreation Center.

Lawrence
Eagle Creek Park featuring road cycling and autumn colours as well as an individual male

Pike

Pike is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Eagle Creek Park and SportZone while in the area.

Pike
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Near Northside

Well liked for its riverfront and historical sites, Near Northside is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Methodist Hospital and Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, and jump on the metro at Methodist Station to get around the city.

Near Northside

Carmel Arts and Design District Travel Guide

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