Indianapolis Unveils New 'MLK Gateway' at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park

The $6.8 million project expands the Landmark for Peace memorial and adds new plaza, walkways, and landscaping.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:49pm

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A bold, abstract silkscreen print featuring the iconic Landmark for Peace memorial statue repeated in a grid of bright, neon-colored shapes and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the park's role in honoring the legacies of Dr. King and Robert F. Kennedy.The reimagined Landmark for Peace memorial at the heart of Indianapolis' new MLK Gateway park section celebrates the enduring legacies of two Civil Rights Movement icons.Indianapolis Today

The city of Indianapolis has officially opened the new 'MLK Gateway' section of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, a $6.8 million project that features a new plaza, walkways, landscaping, and an expanded Landmark for Peace memorial. The opening comes one day before the 58th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy's famous speech in Indianapolis announcing the assassination of Dr. King.

Why it matters

The MLK Gateway project aims to further honor the legacies of Dr. King and Sen. Kennedy, two towering figures of the Civil Rights Movement, and serve as an important public space and monument for the city of Indianapolis and its residents.

The details

The new plaza now includes informational displays about King, Kennedy, and the Civil Rights Movement. Indy Parks says the opening of the MLK Gateway coincides with the 58th anniversary of Kennedy's speech in Indianapolis on April 4, 1968, when he announced the assassination of Dr. King. The Landmark for Peace memorial, which was dedicated in 1995, has also been expanded as part of the project.

  • The MLK Gateway section officially opened on April 3, 2026.
  • The opening comes one day prior to the 58th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy's speech in Indianapolis on April 4, 1968.

The players

Joe Hogsett

The mayor of Indianapolis who spoke at the unveiling of the new MLK Gateway.

Brittany Crone

The director of Indy Parks who discussed the importance of the project for showcasing the city's history and communities.

Bill Clinton

The former U.S. president who attended the 1995 dedication of the Landmark for Peace memorial at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

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What they’re saying

“One of our city's most important monuments stands larger and grander than ever, thanks to the reimagined Landmark for Peace memorial. The city is proud to invest into this place of national significance. Not only does it honor the memories of two great American heroes, but it will also remind future generations of the invaluable legacy that they left behind.”

— Joe Hogsett, Mayor of Indianapolis

“Parks are essential for many reasons, and one of those reasons is that they showcase our city's history, people, and communities. This project ensures that this park now fully showcases a critical part of our history.”

— Brittany Crone, Director of Indy Parks

What’s next

Final landscaping and signage work is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, after which the park will be fully open to the public.

The takeaway

The new MLK Gateway at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Indianapolis serves as an important public space and monument honoring the legacies of Dr. King and Sen. Kennedy, two towering figures of the Civil Rights Movement. The project's expansion of the Landmark for Peace memorial and addition of new educational displays will help ensure these histories are preserved and shared with future generations.