Monument Circle
The center of it all.
Known as the heart of Indianapolis, Monument Circle is a beloved gathering place where history, culture, and community come together. Anchored by the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Circle serves as a hub for residents, visitors, workers, and year-round experiences, from arts and cultural programming to entertainment dining, and more. Through partnerships with Indiana War Memorials, Downtown Indy Alliance helps create signature activations like Shining A Light and SPARK on the Circle.
Shining a Light Frequently Asked Questions
Shining A Light is a public art and placemaking initiative that transforms Monument Circle into an immersive destination through permanent lighting, projection mapping, sound, and staging infrastructure. The project was made possible through a $7.6 million Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts & Cultural Innovation grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., awarded to Downtown Indy Alliance and the Indiana War Memorials Commission. The investment expands Monument Circle's capacity to host free public events, artistic performances, and the nightly Indy's Signature Salute.
Shining A Light is a partnership between Downtown Indy Alliance and the Indiana War Memorials Commission.
Indy's Signature Salute is a free nightly multimedia experience presented on Monument Circle. Beginning at dusk every evening (with seasonal adjustments), the five-minute presentation combines architectural lighting, projection mapping, and patriotic music. The program illuminates the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument in red, white, and blue while historic imagery is projected onto surrounding buildings. The experience concludes with four beams of light rising from each corner of the Circle to illuminate Lady Victory, celebrating Indianapolis as the Crossroads of America.
Share your photos and videos using #ShiningALightIndy and tag @DowntownIndy on social media.
No. The lighting and projection mapping system is intended exclusively for artistic, cultural, and civic programming. All projection content must comply with the Indiana Historic Preservation Commission's Certificate of Appropriateness, which limits sponsor recognition to no more than five percent of projected visuals and prohibits commercial advertising.