Indianapolis Eiteljorg Museum
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in downtown Indianapolis boasts one of the best collections of Native Contemporary Art globally. The Museum opened in 1989 and was the creation of philanthropist and businessman Harrison Eiteljorg.
The Eiteljorg makes its home in the scenic White River Park with the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, The Military Park, and NCAA Hall of Champions. The magnificent grounds are surrounded by beautiful art and gardens and are highlighted by waterfalls and native music. It is an excellent location with neighboring top-rated attractions, alongside the Canal, nestled in a breath-taking parkland.
The Museum houses an extensive collection of Western American Art and paintings, and visual arts by the Indigenous Peoples of North America. The Gund Gallery displays impressive bronzes and paintings by Charles Russell and Frederic Remington. Other significant paintings are featured by Thomas Hill, Charles King, Andy Warhol, and George Winter.
The Eiteljorg has devoted an entire area to the Native American history of Indiana. The Museum pays tribute to all native peoples that inhabited North America.
The first level houses the Western Art Gallery, the Jingle Rails exhibit, the Cafe, and the gift shop. The Gund Gallery offers significant bronzes and paintings by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Thomas Hill, and Olaf Seltzer. Another gallery room displays paintings from Georgia O’Keefe, John French Sloan, Joseph Henry Sharp, and many interactive displays to engage young visitors. The Western Art Gallery features works from the 1890s to the present. “Titan of the West” exhibits the hugely generous donation of Kenneth “Bud” Adams, the former owner of the Tennessee Titans Football franchise. This vast Collection highlights the beauty, significance, and struggle of western life.
The Jingle Rails (Holiday)exhibit is displayed annually, and the details on the Lucas Oil Stadium, Monument Circle, and The Indianapolis Speedway are terrific. A super added attraction is the model trains going by all around in their holiday decor. Visitors can walk through, around, or under reproductions of the Hoover Dam, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, or an Aspen ski resort. All the incredible scenes are made from only natural materials such as bark, honeycomb, acorns, tree roots, and pine cones. A must-see for train lovers young and old!
The second floor exhibits the Native American Art Collection, which includes works from the vast and varied Native nations. The Collection displays the individual artworks created by the hundreds of distinct Native nations. There is also a fantastic historical timeline that represents the impact of Europeans on the native people. The exhibit showcases truly magnificent artifacts used in the family or community that help tell the history of the Native communities.
The Michael Naranjo Exhibit displays fantastic sculptures and uniquely asks visitors to touch the sculptures for the whole artistic experience. The artist lost his sight in the Vietnam War but continued to sculpt. A film tells his fascinating story and is a do-not-miss exhibit, according to many guests.
In 2005 the Museum expanded and nearly doubled its space, adding a cafe, education center, event spaces, outdoor gardens, and new galleries. The expansion created two new galleries for its extensive contemporary art collection. The galleries feature works by Andy Warhol, T.C. Cannon, and Kay WalkingStick, plus many others.
The Museum hosts several events, and one of the largest is the “Quest for The West.” It is a top Western Art Show that has been running for over 15 years. The artworks are represented from the rugged West, the Native communities, the early settlers, and contemporary works. Registered guests receive first glances at the masterpieces and first bids too. Another highlight event is the Holiday- themed Jingle Rails. The Museum is available to rent for special events, including weddings or conferences.
At The Eiteljorg Museum, visitors immerse themselves in the diverse cultures of the West and Native America, and sharing these American stories is what they do best at the Eiteljorg. There is a plethora of unique and unforgettable artifacts and artworks to experience at the Eiteljorg!
Check out The Indianapolis 500 which is in Indianapolis too.
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