How to Appreciate Art in Indianapolis

From Robert Indiana’s pop art “LOVE” sculpture to an original Andy Warhol charcoal drawing, art takes many forms in Indianapolis. Visit one of the Circle City’s art museums for a taste of culture today.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Admission is free at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

   Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Featuring more than 50,000 pieces of art, it has helped Hoosiers appreciate art for 12 decades. The IMA galleries are home to works in the African, American, Asian, contemporary, decorative, European, South Pacific and textile/fashion arts, including Robert Indiana’s famous “LOVE” sculpture. The 52-acre IMA campus also offers the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Natural Park and the historic Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens for public viewing, plus a new Wolfgang Puck restaurant.

2. 
   The Eiteljorg Museum in downtown's White River State Park.

   Look for Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Frederic Remington and Kay WalkingStick, who are just a few of the world-renowned artists featured at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. The museum’s mission is “to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America.” Mission accomplished.

3. 
   The new, expanded Indiana State Museum opened in 2002.

   Browse the more than 8,000 works, from sculptures to landscapes, at the Indiana State Museum’s Fine Arts Collection. American impressionism, minimalism, abstract expressionism, conceptual art and realism are all styles on display that capture the state’s history through art.

4. 
   Permanent sculptures are on display at the Indianapolis Art Center.

   Spend a day at the Indianapolis Art Center in Broad Ripple Village on the city’s north side, which offers art exhibits, workshops and even creative team-building activities at its 40,000-square-foot facility. Indy native and architect Michael Graves designed the center, which features a 12-acre interactive sculpture garden and park, sensory path, library, auditorium, amphitheater, art studios and eight exhibition spaces.

Tips & Warnings

• Check hours and admission, as certain exhibits may be closed for holidays and can change.
• Ask about tours, lectures, classes and special events for groups or family activities.
• Stop by the museums’ gift shops for creative gift ideas and souvenirs.
• Museum visitors may be advised to avoid using flash photography, unless permitted, as copyright laws may apply or lights and photo equipment can damage artwork.

Resources

• Indianapolis Museum of Art
• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
• Indiana State Museum
• Indianapolis Art Center
• Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association

[broandsisinlaw]

on 11/26/2007 Hi Ape! Great article and beautiful sculpture choices for your article. I live in Indy and have not had the opportunity to see all of your mentioned sculptures, I can't wait to do so! Thanks! Lori