Pop Culture and the Indiana State Fairgrounds: The Thomas Fontaine Collection

This exhibition celebrates the rich history of popular entertainment at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum, once the premier venue in Indianapolis before the city’s “stadium era.” From The Beatles’ unforgettable 1964 dual concerts to legendary performances by Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, The Jackson 5, and the ABA Champion Indiana Pacers, this collection captures defining cultural moments that shaped generations of Hoosiers.

The items on display are drawn from the personal collection of Thomas Fontaine, a lifelong Indianapolis resident who began collecting music and pop culture memorabilia at age five. Over six decades, Fontaine has amassed more than 6,000 pieces—ranging from rare concert programs and autographs to historic artifacts like Ringo Starr’s concert-used drumstick from the 1964 State Fair performance. A co-founder of the Indiana Music History Project and author of several books, Fontaine is dedicated to preserving Indiana’s music legacy and sharing these once-private treasures with the public for the first time.

Curator: Thomas Fontaine
Installation: January 2026–June 2026
Location: KIND Gallery Concourse A

Learn more about the curator and his collection here or check out one of his books at the INK bookstore during your next trip to IND.