The John Dillinger Museum

Located inside the Indiana Welcome Center
7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond, Indiana

How much did the Dillinger Museum cost?

Several steps were made in the purchase of the Dillinger Museum. The acquisition of the artifacts from Joe Pinkston's estate, in Brown County, Indiana, required an initial investment of $ 417,000. The Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau wanted to develop the museum into an interactive educational experience that illustrated that crime does not pay. The CVB hired ICON Exhibits of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, to renovate, restore and preserve the original artifacts as well as develop the museum into an interactive educational experience. The preservation and the redevelopment of the collection were done at a cost of roughly $675,000.

How was the purchase and renovation of the museum financed?

The museum's initial purchase and the museum's restoration were cash investments paid directly from the Bureau's annual budget.  The Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau is funded through of Lake County's hotel/motel tax and through the admission fee that Lake County's riverboats pay to the state for each individual who enters the casino. 

Who was responsible for the restoration of the artifacts contained in the collection?

The restoration and redevelopment of the museum was completed by ICON Exhibits, which was originated in 1946 and has since become one of America's leading exhibit design and production companies.  ICON is a leading, full-service exhibit and design company, offering turnkey solutions for worldwide tradeshow exhibits, display deployment programs, and permanent exhibits for museums, visitor centers, showrooms, and high-image corporate environments.   

How does the Museum portray its anticrime message?

The Lake County CVB developed the museum into an interactive and educational experience that illustrated that a life in crime does not pay. To accomplish this, the Bureau involved local law enforcement officials that included Lake County's Sheriff, local police chiefs, representatives from the Indiana State Police, and the president of Indiana's Fraternal Order of Police in the overall theme of the museum. In addition, the Bureau hired ICON Exhibits to develop the museum into an educational experience.  The museum experience also showcases the advancements made in crime fighting technology from Dillinger's childhood to his demise, and portrays life during the 1930's Depression Era. 

Is there a cost to visit the museum?

The cost to view the museum is $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens, $2 for children ages 6 - 12 and children under 5 are free. 

What original John Dillinger items are showcased in the museum?

The museum features numerous authentic and historical artifacts including John Dillinger's death trousers, his lucky rabbit's foot, the briefcase that was left behind during the East Chicago robbery and more.