TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— In the first year, the Larry Bird Museum in downtown Terre Haute has drawn more than 12,000 visitors from around the globe.
Since its opening on May 30, 2024, the museum has drawn visitors from nearly every state and beyond to put Terre Haute on the map for basketball enthusiasts. In addition to in-person traffic, the website has had over 26,000 visitors, with traction continuing to grow.
“The success of the Larry Bird Museum is a success for our entire community,” said Karen Dyer, Executive Director of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It celebrates the pride we feel in Larry’s legacy and the way his story continues to inspire people of all ages. This museum has added momentum and a sense of thriving for our downtown and connected us with fans from far beyond Indiana.”
The museum, which is contained inside the Terre Haute Convention Center, holds personal memorabilia, interactive exhibits, free-throw shooting areas, trivia challenges, exclusive video footage, a wingspan measuring wall, and historical storytelling chronicling Bird’s journey from French Lick to the global stage.
“The museum represents the power of partnership,” said Chris Switzer, President of the Vigo County Capital Improvement Board. “It took years of vision and community commitment to bring this to life, and now we get to see the payoff — not only in tourism numbers, but in what it means to our local pride and our identity.”
The museum has also hosted multiple school tour groups. Tours for school and community groups can be scheduled in advance through the museum’s website. To celebrate the anniversary of the museum’s opening, guests during the month of June will receive a free mini commemorative basketball while supplies last.
Due to the museum’s success, local leaders are already planning enhancements to expand the experience next year and continue to grow the Hoops Heritage Trail. the museum is free and open to the public.
