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

Omni Severin Hotel

Omni Severin Hotel

4 out of 5
40 West Jackson Place Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿5,483 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
฿5,483
฿6,487 total
8 Jun - 9 Jun
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! (1,049 reviews)
"Great location, wonderful staff"

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026

Omni Severin Hotel
Ironworks Hotel Indy

Ironworks Hotel Indy

4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿5,874 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
฿5,874
฿6,872 total
7 Jun - 8 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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,939 reviews)
"We came to Indy for the GenX comedy show. Easy access to highway, stores and restaurants. Loved the uniqueness of the hotel. Staff was great. After getting home my husband realized he left his prescription sunglasses in one of their restaurants. We called and a staff member found them and mailed ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026

Ironworks Hotel Indy
The Fontana Hotel

The Fontana Hotel

2.5 out of 5
7304 E 21st St Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿3,122 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
฿3,122
฿3,653 total
7 Jun - 8 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! (1,022 reviews)
"Was a pleasant experience."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026

The Fontana Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
601 West Washington Street Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿4,434 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
฿4,434
฿5,259 total
8 Jun - 9 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! (1,149 reviews)
"Clean good customer service"

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Bottleworks Hotel

Bottleworks Hotel

4.5 out of 5
850 Massachusetts Avenue Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿6,146 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
฿6,146
฿7,223 total
7 Jun - 8 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,869 reviews)
"The rooms were too cold and the temperature stays at 75"

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026

Bottleworks Hotel
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel

Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel

4 out of 5
31 W Ohio St Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿4,231 per night from 14 Jun to 15 Jun
฿4,231
฿4,983 total
14 Jun - 15 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Loved our stay."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026

Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
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. Gainbridge Fieldhouse 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 Gainbridge Fieldhouse or Monument Circle 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 Dallara IndyCar Factory.

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