One of the oldest and most eclectic of all the art museums in the country, the Indianapolis Museum of Art was founded in 1883, as a medium for artists, established and upcoming, to showcase their creations, while also allowing visitors a unique opportunity to view works of national and international repute.<
The museum houses an ever-expanding permanent collection that boasts of well over 50,000 works. It is through this collection that the museum attempts to encapsulate the expansive scope of art and its journey through the ages. The museum also endeavors to bring visitors as much exposure as possible with the national and international exhibitions that are hosted here from time to time. The exhibit space is divided into a number of galleries which include the Efroymson Entrance Pavilion, the Wood Gallery Pavilion and the Deer-Zink Events Pavilion. Of these, the Wood Gallery Pavilion supports an array of visitor amenities like restaurants to fuel up during the course of your visit, a museum shop which has an impressive selection of memorabilia which you can take home as a souvenir of your visit, or even as a thoughtful gift, as well as well-maintained venues to host educational programs.
A visit to the Indianapolis Museum of Art is far from complete without stopping by at the Oldfields Lily House and Gardens which are located within the museum grounds. Spread over 26 beautiful acres, the estate is comprised of a 22-room mansion called the Lily House and the manicured gardens which surround it. The Lily House is the former home of J. K. Lily Jr. who was one of Indianapolis' most noteworthy residents. A businessman, collector and a philanthropist, Mr. Lily's stately estate was designed by none other than Percy Gallagher, who is remembered as amongst the finest landscape architects this region boasts of. Today, the home that crowns these grounds has been restored to much of its former glory. You can even view many of the original furnishings and decorative arts' objects that have embellished this home ever since it was occupied by the Lily family. While the views of the Oldfields gardens which the upper level of the home allows are second to none, the interior is just as astounding with the international acclaimed collection of books, gold coins, military miniatures and nautical items it houses, each of has been handpicked by the discerning Mr. Lily himself. What's more, you can even learn about the history and development of the American Country Place Era, and journey through time as you explore the early 20th Century Indianapolis with the educational programs that are conducted here.
If you happen to visit on a Saturday or a Sunday afternoon, don't forget to sign up for a guided tour of the breathtaking gardens. Tours are conducted in the months between April and September. Admission to the Lily House covers the museum as well as the gardens and even includes an audio-guide to help you make the most of your visit.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art is open to visitors from 11 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm on Thursday and Friday and noon to 5 pm on Saturday. For further information, you can call 317-920-2649 or refer to the website http://www.ima-art.org .
The Indianapolis Museum of Art and Oldfields Lily House and Gardens
4000 Michigan Road
Indianapolis IN 46208-3326
