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 ฿5,444 per night from 26 May to 27 May
฿5,444
฿6,441 total
26 May - 27 May
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! (1,004 reviews)
"The room was comfortable but the beds are made with all top sheets and the comforter and sheets are tucked in so tight and short that you literally have to dismantle the bed to sleep in it which is a petty thing but worth pointing out. On another note the staff is exceptionally helpful and friendly. ..."

Reviewed on 21 May 2026

Omni Severin Hotel
The Fontana Hotel

The Fontana Hotel

2.5 out of 5
7304 E 21st St Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿3,294 per night from 25 May to 26 May
฿3,294
฿3,854 total
25 May - 26 May
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! (991 reviews)
"Hotel was clean and quiet."

Reviewed on 20 May 2026

The Fontana Hotel
Ironworks Hotel Indy

Ironworks Hotel Indy

4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿5,832 per night from 26 May to 27 May
฿5,832
฿6,823 total
26 May - 27 May
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! (1,904 reviews)
"Excellent hotel"

Reviewed on 20 May 2026

Ironworks Hotel Indy
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
601 West Washington Street Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿4,949 per night from 14 Jun to 15 Jun
฿4,949
฿5,861 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,134 reviews)
"The only problem I had was, I chose a room with two beds and when I got there, they only gave us one bed and it was very inconvenient. They had no other room.."

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
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 ฿3,224 per night from 28 May to 29 May
฿3,224
฿3,772 total
28 May - 29 May
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,026 reviews)
"Okay for a night wouldn't stay longer than that. Breakfast better than terrible, but just okay."

Reviewed on 20 May 2026

Best Western Plus Indianapolis North at Pyramids
Sonesta Select Indianapolis Carmel

Sonesta Select Indianapolis Carmel

3 out of 5
37 W 103rd Street Indianapolis IN
The price is ฿3,386 per night from 25 May to 26 May
฿3,386
฿3,894 total
25 May - 26 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,231 reviews)
"Great hotel awesome staff. Kids loved being in the pool. Nice courtyard, had a balcony view. Loved it and we will be back!"

Reviewed on 21 May 2026

Sonesta Select Indianapolis Carmel
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

Indianapolis Skyline and White River Wilderness Urban Trail

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
Monon Trail in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis, Indiana - Fall 2022

Broad Ripple

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

Broad Ripple
Meridian-Kessler

Meridian-Kessler

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

Meridian-Kessler
Mapleton/Fall Creek

Mapleton/Fall Creek

Travellers enjoy Mapleton/Fall Creek for its museums and live music. Consider checking out Freetown Village while you're in the area.

Mapleton/Fall Creek
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Martindale-Brightwood

You'll enjoy the parks and historical sites in Martindale-Brightwood. You might want to make time for a stop at George Washington Park or Willis Mortuary.

Martindale-Brightwood
Near Northside

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