Carmel Arts and Design District Travel Guide

Indianapolis

Carmel Arts and Design District
Carmel Arts and Design District
Carmel Arts and Design District
Carmel Arts and Design District
Carmel Arts and Design District

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

Ironworks Hotel Indy

Ironworks Hotel Indy

4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street Indianapolis IN
The price is Rp3.188.696 per night from 28 Jun to 29 Jun
Rp3.188.696
Rp3.730.775 total
28 Jun - 29 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Ironworks Hotel Indy
Omni Severin Hotel

Omni Severin Hotel

4 out of 5
40 West Jackson Place Indianapolis IN
The price is Rp2.976.829 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
Rp2.976.829
Rp3.521.453 total
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,088 reviews)
"Staff was excellent. Drinks at the bar were great!"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026

Omni Severin Hotel
The Fontana Hotel

The Fontana Hotel

2.5 out of 5
7304 E 21st St Indianapolis IN
The price is Rp1.694.941 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
Rp1.694.941
Rp1.983.010 total
23 Jun - 24 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Exterior is rough however interior was great! Nice clean room, breakfast area nice! Helpful staff"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026

The Fontana Hotel
Best Western Plus Indianapolis North at Pyramids

Best Western Plus Indianapolis North at Pyramids

3 out of 5
9320 N Michigan Rd Indianapolis IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.637.968 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
Rp1.637.968
Rp1.916.423 total
24 Jun - 25 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Excellent breakfast."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026

Best Western Plus Indianapolis North at Pyramids
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
601 West Washington Street Indianapolis IN
The price is Rp2.407.101 per night from 28 Jun to 29 Jun
Rp2.407.101
Rp2.854.871 total
28 Jun - 29 Jun
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,163 reviews)
"Great place and close to the convention center"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
JW Marriott Indianapolis

JW Marriott Indianapolis

4 out of 5
10 S West Street Indianapolis IN
The price is Rp2.976.829 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
Rp2.976.829
Rp4.042.220 total
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,346 reviews)
"Other than them putting us in the incorrect room for our first night, this was a wonderful hotel."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026

JW Marriott Indianapolis
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.

Where to stay in Carmel Arts and Design District

Find the best Carmel Arts and Design District areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Indianapolis

Enjoy the popular shops in Downtown Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Canal Station or Indiana University-Riley Station to see more of Indianapolis.

Mile Square

The fascinating museums and prominent monuments are top of the list for many visitors to Mile Square. A stop by Monument Circle or Indiana Repertory Theatre might round out your trip.

Speedway

You'll enjoy the museums and breweries in Speedway. You might want to make time for a stop at Indianapolis Motor Speedway or Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Wholesale District

While visiting Wholesale District, you might make a stop by sights like Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Indiana Repertory Theatre.

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.



Carmel Arts and Design District Travel Guide