Best Museums & Art Galleries in Indianapolis, United States
1. Indianapolis Museum of Art
Explore over 54,000 works spanning 5,000 years, from ancient artifacts to contemporary creations.
- Diverse Collection: Features a wide variety of art styles and periods.
- Outdoor Art: 100 acres of beautiful outdoor spaces showcasing large-scale sculptures.
- Educational Programs: Offers interactive workshops and guided tours for all ages.
2. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
World's largest children's museum with over 47 exhibits focused on art, science, and culture.
- Largest in the World: Provides a unique and immersive learning experience for kids.
- Dinosphere: An exhibit featuring realistic dinosaur fossils and interactive displays.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly updates exhibits to keep content fresh and engaging.
3. Newfields
Formerly known as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, it offers a mix of art, nature, and architecture.
- 152 Acres: Features expansive outdoor gardens and parks.
- The Lilly House: A stunning Gilded Age mansion filled with American decorative arts.
- The Toby-Tucker and Lois Irving Chair: Features contemporary art from around the world.
4. Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Celebrates the art and culture of Native Americans and the American West.
- Native American Art: Features a vast collection of artifacts and artwork by Native artists.
- Western Art: Showcases paintings, sculptures, and photographs by Western artists.
- Indian Market: An annual event where Native American artists sell their work.
5. The Harrison Center for the Arts
A community arts center featuring visual arts, music, and theater productions.
- Community-Driven: Provides studio space for local artists and offers workshops.
- Gallery Spaces: Features several gallery spaces showcasing a variety of art forms.
- Performance Venue: Hosts live music and theater performances throughout the year.
6. The IMA Art & Violin Gallery
Combines the study of art and violin making in a unique setting.
- Art and Violins: Features paintings, sculptures, and historical violins.
- Artist-Violin Maker Collaborations: Artists collaborate with violin makers to create unique pieces.
- Interactive Demonstrations: Offers workshops and demonstrations in both art and violin making.
7. The Indianapolis Art Center
A non-profit organization offering art classes and exhibitions.
- Art Classes for All Ages: Offers a wide range of classes for adults, teens, and children.
- Community Art Events: Hosts regular community art events such as ArtMix and Plein Air.
- Art Gallery: Features rotating exhibitions by local, regional, and national artists.
8. The Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art
A non-collecting institution dedicated to presenting contemporary art.
- Contemporary Focus: Showcases contemporary artists and media.
- Artist Residency Program: Provides residencies for emerging and mid-career artists.
- Community Engagement: Engages the community through workshops, lectures, and artist talks.
9. The James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home
Preserves the boyhood home of Indiana's first poet laureate.
- Historical Significance: Offers a glimpse into the life and times of James Whitcomb Riley.
- Literary Exhibits: Features exhibits on Riley's life, works, and impact.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours of the beautifully preserved Victorian home.
10. The Museum of Miniature Houses
A unique collection of intricately detailed miniature houses and dollhouses.
- Miniature Houses: Features a vast collection of miniature houses dating back to the early 20th century.
- Dollhouse Designs: Showcases designer dollhouses created by professional designers.
- Hands-On Activities: Offers miniature crafting workshops and activities.
11. The Indiana Landmarks Center
A historic building showcasing art exhibitions and architectural history.
- Historic Architecture: Features a beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture.
- Art Exhibits: Hosts rotating exhibitions focusing on Indiana's art and cultural history.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours of the historic building and its art collections.
12. The Indianapolis Art Colony
A vibrant artists' community offering workshops, classes, and exhibitions.
- Artist Community: Provides studio space for local artists and offers workshops.
- Workshops and Classes: Offers a wide range of art classes for all skill levels.
- Art Gallery: Features rotating exhibitions by local, regional, and national artists.
13. The Stutz Artists Association
A collective of working artists in a historic building offering tours and workshops.
- Artist Collective: Provides studio space for over 100 local artists.
- Tours and Workshops: Offers guided tours and workshops in a variety of art forms.
- Art Gallery: Features rotating exhibitions by the artists in residence.
14. The Slippery Noodle Inn Galleria
A unique art gallery located inside a historic tavern.
- Historic Tavern: Located in one of Indianapolis' oldest buildings.
- Local Artists: Showcases artwork by local artists.
- Live Music Venue: Hosts live music performances and events.
15. The Polis Art Museum at IUPUI
An art museum on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
- University Affiliation: Part of the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI.
- Indiana Art Focus: Features a collection of Indiana art and artists.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly updates exhibits to showcase new artists and themes.