At long last: Mini Golf arrives at Indianapolis Museum of Art

The build up to this has been long. I’d say intense but let’s go with just ‘long’ for now. Because the moment Scott Stulen – the IMA curator of audience experiences and performance – uttered the words last fall that a unique and interactive mini golf exhibit would arrive at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, I’ve been waiting with baited breath.

I’m a competitive soul. I’ve smack talked my way through almost every sport venture, including skeeball. SKEEBALL people. But I love me some mini golf, especially as a family outing.

As details began to emerge this spring, it didn’t help my patience pants any:

  • 18 hole course
  • All designed in collaboration with primarily local Indiana artists
  • Each hole represents a piece of Indiana history, heritage or landmarks
  • Open thru the end of October
  • All included with general admission

IMA Mini Golf _ Indy's Child Magazine

Last night’s sneak peek was a treat to say the least – the IC Insider Crew hit the links and marveled at just how much work has gone into this new outdoor exhibit. It has been worth the wait.

To try and describe the 18 holes other than you need to see them to really understand is a challenge. The artists have channeled some of our most popular Indiana-isms into 18 stand-alone stations. A cardinal {pictured below}. Lil Bub the cat. Benjamin Harrison. Willie The Whale. The windmills of I-65. Read about the inspirations here.


SEE THE LINKS FOR YOURSELF: Here’s our Facebook Live video from the sneak peek event!

So let’s get into what your family can expect:

Each station is so unique that even if younger golfers get frustrated or bored with playing, there’s tons to look at and explore.

Each hole also has a backstory posted to read and soak in – the perfect opportunity for 18 mini state history lessons with the family.

Fair warning{s}: Par count is listed at each station but we found challenges with a couple to even get in the vicinity of par {ahem you tricky “The Grid” at Hole #3, here’s looking at you!}.

Thursdays-Sundays, King David Hot Dogs will be setup in the mini ‘clubhouse’ with food/refreshments. And for the parents night out, Sun King will host a small mini bar as well.

IMA Mini Golf _ Indy's Child MagazineFor competitive types like me, a leader board sits on one wall, ready to announce the daily, weekly and all-time leaders. {Hey IMA, my name is spelled J-E-A-N-I-N-E}. And Stulen spilled that all-time worst scores will have the opportunity for season’s-end prizes so hey, if that Hole #3 trips you up, don’t fret. You’ll still be a winner.

So final words:

Go.

Enjoy.

And marvel at one of the most unique mini golf courses your family will ever play at.

 

MORE INFO: The Mini Golf exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art opens to the public on May 10th and runs thru October 30, 2016. The IMA is located at 4000 N. Michigan Road in Indianapolis. Mini Golf will be available during regular Museum hours and is included with general admission. During free admission times, mini golf tickets will be available for a reduced fee of $8. IMA members can play for free. The course will also be open as pre-show entertainment for moviegoers to The National Bank of Indianapolis Summer Nights Film Series beginning Fridays at 6 p.m. from June 3 through Aug. 26. Call {317} 923-1331 or visit imamuseum.org for additional details. Select photos provided courtesy of the IMA.

IMA Mini Golf _ Indy's Child Magazine


[jeanine]

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