Indianapolis Newfields
Newfields is a 152-acre campus that is home to The Indianapolis Museum of Art, Lilly House, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art, and Nature Park:100 Acres, The Gardens at Newfields, the Beer Garden and more. Formerly known as The Indianapolis Museum of Art, but in 2017 was renamed to highlight all of the property’s venues. Newfields is located a mere 3 miles north of downtown Indianapolis, making it a top-rated city attraction.
Founded in 1883, the Museum is the ninth oldest in the United States. In 1906 the first permanent museum opened; today, more than 400,000 guests visit annually. Over 54,000 works are housed in the Museum’s permanent collection. Artists’ works are hail from around the world and are represented from over the past 5,000 years.
Newfields brings together the perfect combination with the beauty of timeless art collections housed amid the lavish gardens and surrounding parkland. Newfield’s mission statement reflects this, stating, “To enrich lives through exceptional experiences with art and nature.”
The Museum is home to an impressive collection of magnificent exhibitions both from the past and the present. Some of the most significant groups include works of Chinese ceramics, bronzes, paintings, Neo-Impressionist paintings, prints by Paul Gauguin and the Pont-Aven School, Japanese paintings from the Edo period, and numerous works of J. M. W. Turner.
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park: 100 Acres opened in 2010 and has evolved into a diverse artistic landscape. Once a gravel pit, it has been transformed into one of the largest art parks in the country. Visitors walk the forest, wetlands, open fields and stroll across the Waller Bridge to access the Indiana Central Canal and all of Newfield’s venues. One of the first artists selected was Atelier Van Lieshout and his modern statue Funky Bones, featuring twenty black and white large bones-shaped benches. It is also home to Indian’s largest native pollinator meadow.
Lilly House, which is also known as Oldfields, is a restored mansion built on a sprawling 26 acres by Hugh McKennan Landon Family in 1913. It was sold to the wealthy J.K. Lilly Jr. in 1932, who renovated and greatly expanded the Estate to include 22 rooms and several other buildings on the grounds. In 2003 the Lilly House was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark and one of few remaining American Country Place Era estates. Touring this beautifully restored mansion will take guests back in time to the opulent 1930s era.
The Gardens at Newfields are extensive and will surely please avid garden lovers. The Formal Garden, The Rapp Family Ravine Garden, The Allie, and The Richard D. Wood Formal Garden border the Lilley House, combining landscape design, decorative arts, gardening, and architecture of the Estate. The Garden for Everyone, which is wheelchair accessible, features a La Hermana del Hombre Boveda (Sister of the Vault Man) bronze statue. The Allie Garden lines the front of Lilley House with 58 red oak trees finishing with a circular fountain, and on each side sits the well-
shaded Border Gardens. The Formal Garden highlights arbors, lush plant life, and a lavish fountain. The Ravine Garden brings the Indiana Central Canal to the Estate and divides the Gardens from the 100 Acres. The Gardens produce more than half a million blooms and are designed to discover something new with each visit.
Art is not always stationary, and the Amphitheater brings art to life at Newfields. It is a vast open-air terrace for live plays and performances. One of the more popular events is The National Bank of Indianapolis Summer Nights Film Series. The” Toby” or The Tobias Theater features a 35mm surround sound and a 530 seat theater. It features “the best screening room in Indianapolis by Indianapolis Magazine. Newfields also features the Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion overlooking the Sutphin Fountain and breath-taking gardens perfect for a memorable celebration.
The Beer Garden offers a scenic spot to take a break and refresh while still enjoying the surrounding gardens. A wide variety of international brews await thirsty guests. You may want to try one of Newfield’s specialty brews. Be sure to order a giant Bavarian pretzel that pairs as a great snack with a beer, cider, or glass of wine. Non-alcoholic beverages like iced teas, Kombucha, and lemonade are also available in The Beer Garden.
The Elder Greenhouse was part of the Oldfield Estate and grew produce for the residents. The present glasshouses were built in the 1940s. Visitors can tour the renovated Greenhouse and take part in workshops and special exhibitions.
After a day of exploring, The Cafe in the Indianapolis Museum of Art offers a contemporary and comfortable place to enjoy a delicious meal or snack. The menu provides choices such as artisan sandwiches, seasonal salads, homemade soups, and of course, some freshly baked treats. The Museum and Garden shop stocks the perfect gift to help remember your trip to Newfields with specialty items like plants, books, stationery, jewelry, and IMA art reproductions.
The Lume, the largest exhibition in Newfield’s’ history with over 30.000 square feet of immersive art and a multi-sensory event, features floor-to-ceiling projections of the works of Vincent Van Gough as never seen before. Using 150 projectors, the two-dimensional paintings are transformed into a three-dimensional walk-through exhibit created by Australian-based Grande Experiences. The Lume experience plays continually, and guests are encouraged to spend time immersed in the display.
Another highlight event is Harvest at Newfields. A fall month-long celebration that also includes the popular and Spooktacular Harvest Nights. The Park grounds illuminate with the light from thousands of glowing pumpkins lined along a hidden path. Guests walk through the enchanted forest, a ghost train, and Mischief Manor, with fall beverages and treats available to enjoy.
Newfields houses the vast and impressive Indianapolis Museum of Art, but it is only one of the fantastic must-see venues. Newfields brings together the beauty of art, nature, and history on over 150 acres to explore. It is a definite enriching Indianapolis highlight located only minutes from downtown.
Check out the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park which is in Indianapolis too.
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