Top Art Museums in Indianapolis You Should Visit

Source: William Cowling, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/GEYmMSyjTzFsfesY7

Indianapolis offers more than racing thrills and sports glory—it’s also home to a vibrant and evolving arts scene. For anyone passionate about culture, history, or contemporary creativity, visiting an art museum in Indianapolis can be a rewarding journey through time and imagination. These institutions hold collections that span centuries, celebrate global traditions, and elevate local talent, offering something for every type of visitor.

Whether you're an art connoisseur seeking masterworks or a casual observer looking to spend an inspiring afternoon, each art museum in Indianapolis presents a unique perspective. From sprawling campuses that feature immersive installations to intimate galleries showcasing regional excellence, the city’s offerings reflect a deep appreciation for visual storytelling. Many museums also integrate family-friendly exhibits, community workshops, and rotating exhibitions, ensuring each visit feels fresh and dynamic.

Indianapolis continues to invest in its cultural infrastructure, making it a must-visit city for art lovers in the Midwest and beyond. The art museums here don’t just house collections—they cultivate conversation, education, and creative thought. In the sections that follow, we’ll guide you through the top art museums in Indianapolis that deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields

The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields is a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape, offering a rich tapestry of art, history, and nature. Established in 1883, it stands as one of the oldest and largest encyclopedic art museums in the United States, housing a collection of over 54,000 works that span 5,000 years of global art history.

Visitors to this esteemed art museum in Indianapolis can explore diverse collections, including European masterpieces, Asian artifacts, African sculptures, and contemporary installations. Notable highlights feature Neo-Impressionist paintings, Japanese Edo-period artworks, and significant pieces by artists such as Paul Gauguin and J.M.W. Turner.

Beyond the galleries, Newfields encompasses a 152-acre campus that invites guests to immerse themselves in the harmony of art and nature. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres offers interactive outdoor installations like Atelier Van Lieshout's "Funky Bones," set amidst woodlands and wetlands . The historic Lilly House, a restored 1930s estate, provides a glimpse into the American Country Place Era, complete with period furnishings and meticulously designed gardens.

Innovative experiences await within the museum as well. THE LUME Indianapolis transforms traditional art viewing through immersive digital exhibitions, blending visuals, music, and scent to create a multi-sensory journey.

Newfields also hosts seasonal events that celebrate the intersection of art and community. "Winterlights" illuminates the gardens with over a million lights during the holiday season, while "Harvest Nights" in the fall features pumpkin displays and themed installations.

For those planning a visit, the museum operates Sunday through Wednesday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM . Admission is $20 for adults, with discounts available for seniors and children; kids under five enter free.

Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual explorer, the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields offers a comprehensive experience that intertwines artistic excellence with natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Indianapolis.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis stands as a beacon of interactive learning and creativity, earning its reputation as the world's largest children's museum. Spanning over 472,900 square feet, this five-story facility houses more than 130,000 artifacts, offering a diverse array of exhibits that cater to curious minds of all ages.

Among its notable features is the Fireworks of Glass Tower and Ceiling, a mesmerizing 43-foot-tall sculpture by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Comprising over 3,200 pieces of blown glass, this installation not only captivates visitors with its vibrant colors and intricate design but also serves as an educational piece, illustrating the art of glassblowing and the fusion of art and science.

The museum's commitment to art is further exemplified by the National Art Museum of Sport (NAMOS), which celebrates the intersection of athleticism and artistic expression. Through a collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs, NAMOS highlights the dynamic world of sports, capturing the spirit and movement of athletes across various disciplines.

In 2025, the museum introduced a groundbreaking exhibit titled Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design. This exhibition showcases over 60 original costumes from acclaimed films like "Black Panther" and "Selma," offering visitors an immersive experience into the world of costume design and its role in storytelling and cultural representation.

For younger visitors, the Playscape area provides a dedicated space where children can engage in hands-on art activities, encouraging creativity and exploration through tactile experiences. Additionally, the museum's Visiting Artist Program brings in local and national artists who conduct workshops and interactive sessions, fostering a deeper appreciation for various art forms among children and families.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis seamlessly integrates art into its educational framework, making it a pivotal art museum in Indianapolis. Through its diverse exhibits and programs, it not only entertains but also inspires, cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the arts in its visitors.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis within White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art stands as a unique cultural institution dedicated to the art, history, and cultures of Native America and the American West. Established in 1989, this distinguished art museum in Indianapolis offers an unparalleled collection that bridges traditional and contemporary expressions, making it a vital destination for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

The museum's permanent galleries provide a comprehensive exploration of Native American and Western art. "Expressions of Life: Native Art in North America" presents a thematic journey through relation, continuation, and innovation, showcasing works that span from ancestral artifacts to modern masterpieces. In the "Attitudes: The West in American Art" gallery, visitors encounter a diverse array of paintings and sculptures dating from the 1820s to the present, reflecting the evolving narratives of the American West.

Beyond its permanent collections, the Eiteljorg hosts a dynamic array of temporary exhibitions. "Voices from the Arctic: Contemporary Inuit Art" offers insights into the rich traditions and modern perspectives of Inuit artists, featuring sculptures and prints from the 1960s to today. Another notable exhibition, "Radical Stitch," delves into contemporary Native beadwork, highlighting its role in cultural resilience and artistic innovation.

The museum is also renowned for its annual events that celebrate Indigenous cultures and artistic achievements. The "Indian Market & Festival," held every June, brings together artists from over 50 Native American and First Nations groups, offering a vibrant marketplace of art, music, and cultural demonstrations. In September, the "Quest for the West®" art show features premier Western art, providing collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to engage with contemporary interpretations of Western themes.

A cornerstone of the Eiteljorg's commitment to contemporary Native art is the biennial Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship. This prestigious program supports and showcases the work of innovative Native artists, contributing to the museum's reputation as a leading institution for contemporary Indigenous art.

Visitors can enhance their experience by exploring the museum's outdoor gardens, dining at the Museum Café, or browsing the Museum Store for unique art and gifts. The Eiteljorg Museum operates Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays until 7 p.m. during the summer months, and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $8 for children aged 5–17; children under 5 enter free.

As an art museum in Indianapolis, the Eiteljorg offers a profound and enriching experience, inviting visitors to engage with the diverse stories and artistic expressions that define Native American and Western art.

Indiana State Museum

Situated within White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum offers a multifaceted exploration of the state's rich tapestry of art, history, and science. As a prominent art museum in Indianapolis, it houses an extensive collection that spans from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary artworks, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Indiana's cultural evolution.

The museum's art collection is particularly noteworthy, encompassing over 7,000 works that reflect Indiana's diverse artistic heritage. Highlights include pieces by renowned Hoosier Group artists such as T.C. Steele, whose impressionistic landscapes capture the state's natural beauty, and Frank V. Dudley, celebrated for his depictions of the Indiana Dunes. The collection also features works by contemporary artists like Lois Main Templeton, whose abstract compositions offer a modern perspective on Indiana's artistic landscape.

Visitors can experience these artworks in various galleries throughout the museum. "Gallery One" presents an evolving collection that encourages interactive engagement with art, while the "NiSource Gallery" and "Ford Gallery" host rotating exhibitions that showcase both historical and contemporary pieces. These spaces provide a dynamic environment where art enthusiasts can explore the breadth of Indiana's artistic contributions.

The museum also curates special exhibitions that delve into specific themes and artists. For instance, "Through the Eyes of an Artist" offers an in-depth look at the life and work of John Wesley Hardrick, an acclaimed Indianapolis painter known for his expressive portraits and landscapes. This exhibition not only displays Hardrick's paintings but also provides interactive elements that immerse visitors in his creative process and community impact.

In addition to its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Indiana State Museum hosts annual events like the Hoosier Art Salon. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, this juried exhibition features a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works by Indiana artists, highlighting the state's vibrant contemporary art scene.

Beyond the galleries, the museum's architecture itself is a testament to Indiana's artistic spirit. The "92 County Walk," an outdoor installation, features sculptures representing each of Indiana's counties, crafted by various artists using materials like limestone and glass. This installation underscores the museum's commitment to celebrating local artistry and community identity .

The Indiana State Museum operates Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Thursdays. Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for youth ages 3–17, and $16 for seniors aged 60 and above. Children under 3 enter free, and college students with a valid Indiana ID can visit for $5 .

As an art museum in Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum offers an enriching experience that bridges the past and present, inviting visitors to engage with the state's artistic legacy and contemporary expressions.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, located within the iconic 2.5-mile oval track, offers a captivating blend of motorsports history and artistic expression. Following a comprehensive $60.5 million renovation completed in April 2025, the museum now features over 40,000 square feet of updated space, including seven permanent and three rotating galleries.

Among its extensive collection of more than 55,000 artifacts are over 200 art pieces, thousands of photographs, and a vast array of racing memorabilia . These works highlight the artistry inherent in motorsports, from the sleek design of race cars to the vivid imagery captured in racing photography.

The museum's dedication to art is further exemplified by exhibitions like "Sleek: The Art of the Helmet," which showcased racing helmets as canvases for artistic expression, featuring designs by contemporary artists . Additionally, the museum has collaborated with local artists through initiatives like the "Welcome Race Fans" program, integrating community art into the racing experience.

Visitors can also explore the "Gasoline Alley Gallery," which recreates the historic garage area with immersive audio and visual elements, and the "Starting Line Experience," offering a dynamic introduction to the thrill of race day.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum provides an enriching experience that celebrates the intersection of art and motorsports, solidifying its status as a premier art museum in Indianapolis.

Conclusion

Indianapolis is home to a dynamic range of institutions that bring art, history, and culture to life for visitors of all ages. Whether it's the expansive collections at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, the family-friendly exhibits at the Children’s Museum, or the specialized focus of the Eiteljorg and Indiana State Museum, each art museum in Indianapolis offers something distinctive. These venues not only preserve artistic heritage but also inspire future generations. For anyone seeking creativity, education, or simply a memorable day out, the art museums in Indianapolis provide enriching experiences that reflect the city’s diverse cultural landscape.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Every information you read here are written and curated by Kreafolk's team, carefully pieced together with our creative community in mind. Did you enjoy our contents? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Cheers to more creative articles and inspirations!