Where to Discover Art in Indianapolis

Art gives us freedom of expression and stimulates the senses and the mind. If you’re an art enthusiast in Indianapolis, you’re in luck. The bustling metropolis is home to several districts that celebrate visual and performing arts in unique ways. Discover the arts in Indianapolis by visiting one of these four attractions. 

Indiana Repertory Theatre 

The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) puts on nine productions per season from its base at the celebrated Indiana Theatre in the heart of downtown. The IRT prides itself on crafting a combination of plays and musicals that appeal to all tastes. The topics, views, and experiences vary between productions, but some things remains the same: high-quality theater and highly skilled actors and actresses. Depending on when you visit, you might catch a hot new Broadway musical, a beloved classic, or a holiday show. The IRT even produces an Exploring Stages program for kids under the age of 8. 

Newfields 

Spend an entire day immersing yourself in the arts at Newfields, a 152-acre campus that’s home to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, a historic estate, parks, and gardens. The main attraction, however, is the art museum, which houses more than 54,000 pieces and is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the United States. Notable permanent collections include the Eiteljorg suite of African and Oceanic art, Asian art, and contemporary art. You’ll get to view masterpieces from the likes of Rembrandt, Picasso, and Cezanne. 

You can also venture throughout Newfields’ grounds to appreciate its themed gardens designed by the renowned Olmstead brothers and tour the 20th-century Lilly House. Then stretch your legs strolling the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, which features contemporary sculptures and installations nestled within meadows and woodlands next to a 35-acre lake. 

Phoenix Theatre 

Phoenix Theatre, located in the Mass Ave Arts District, has been producing thoughtful and timely contemporary plays in an intimate setting for more than 35 years. The company performs both original and national plays that tackle current social issues. The productions are both thought-provoking and humorous and include the likes of award-winning Avenue Q.  

Phoenix Theatre doesn’t just stick to the performing arts, though; it also hosts gallery exhibits of local artists at its Culture Centre. And a town hall series called Trail Talks allows panel and audience members to discuss important community, political, and societal issues.  

Gallery 924  

Gallery 924 is relatively new to the Indy art scene, having been founded in 2010 within the Arts Council of Indianapolis building. This highly popular contemporary art gallery hosts 10 exhibits a year that celebrate local Central Indiana artists. Some shows highlight solo artists, while others curate work from many individuals in all stages of their careers. It was established in response to the closing of many smaller art galleries and exhibit spaces post-recession in an effort to save the local visual art community. 

Indianapolis has no shortage of inspiring and thoughtful art. These are just a sampling of the many visual and performing arts opportunities just waiting to be discovered. 

Image courtesy of pixabay.com

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