June 8, 2024 - January 5, 2025
"Sacred Places" at the Mayborn explores sacred sites worldwide, sharing the beliefs of young worshippers. Developed by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, it features images, artifacts, and stories from over two dozen sites across various faiths. Young guides offer personal insights, inviting visitors to explore the significance of these sacred spaces.
We hope that "Sacred Places" sparks curiosity among visitors, inspiring them to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of religious practices worldwide. Through curiosity and discovery, we aim to ignite a sense of wonder and inquiry about the diverse ways in which people express their faith and reverence for the sacred. #InFaithWithLove
Featured Sacred Sites
Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue (Judaism)
Explore the oldest “living” synagogue in the Americas. Meet a member of the community who leads morning prayer services and learn about the importance of community in the Jewish faith.
“We’ve always had services on Fridays and Saturdays, so when I’m [leading prayers], I’m keeping that tradition going so we can keep the synagogue living.”
—Nathan
Church of St. George and Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist (Christianity)
Explore Christian sites in the heart of Biblical holy lands. Meet a member of the community who leads the congregation in prayer during mass and hear about the ancient church tradition of telling Biblical stories through intricate mosaics.
“When I remember I have to do the reading, my heart starts pumping really bad. I don’t want to mess up…But, afterwards, it just feels like an accomplishment—I participated in the Mass.”
—Jude
The Great Mosque of Djenné (Islam)
explore one of Africa’s most famous buildings and the largest mud and brick structure on Earth. Meet a member of the community who organizes the girls in her neighborhood for replastering of the structure, an annual, festive community event.
“Starting at dawn, we carry water from the river to the mosque. The water keeps the mud soft enough to spread on the walls.”
—Aïssata
Patan Durbar Square (Hinduism)
Explore the bustling square filled with a beautiful palace and 55 major Hindu temples, each one dedicated to a god. Meet a member of the community who performs daily puja offerings at the Keshav Narayan Temple.
"We don't like to skip meals so we don't want gods to (skip meals either).”
—Shivesh
Rapa Nui (the Rapa Nui Indigenous Spirituality)
Explore Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island). Meet a member of the community who honors the moai, ancestors embodied by ancient and enormous stone statues.
"I think mana (an energy that flows through all things and people) makes us feel that we belong to a place, and that our energy can return to that place.”
—Merahi
Wat Arun Temple (Buddhism)
Explore one of the most remarkable Buddhist temples in Thailand. Meet a member of the community who is a monk-in-training and follow him on his daily routine, including morning and evening chants in the prayer space and collection of food offerings throughout the community.
“I feel good when I go and receive food. Because it is an activity that even the Buddha did…and we still do it.”
—Kaew