Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Art Center, situated along the White River in Indianapolis, is a cultural hub for art enthusiasts and creators. Established in 1934 by the Works Project Administration during the Great Depression, the Center originated as the Indianapolis Art League and has evolved into a vibrant destination for exhibitions, education, and community engagement.

Housed in a striking 40,000-square-foot building designed by renowned Indiana-born architect Michael Graves, the Center showcases Graves’ signature style, blending industrial aesthetics with artistic elegance. The peach, red ochre, and blue stucco façade are complemented by 32-foot portico columns, large windows, and a riverside sculpture garden. Completed in phases between 1994 and 1996, the facility quadrupled its predecessor's size, offering state-of-the-art amenities funded by contributions from the Ruth Lilly Endowment and other civic organizations.

The building comprises two connected sections: the west side, home to the Ruth Lilly Library, administrative offices, and studios for painting, photography, and printmaking; and the east side, which houses workshops for ceramics, woodworking, glassblowing, and metalsmithing. Highlights include the octagonal library atrium, featuring 12-foot circular windows and a fireplace adorned with tiles crafted in the Center's kiln.

The Indianapolis Art Center features a dynamic exhibition program that began in 1937, focusing on works from Indiana and the Midwest. It hosts over 50 annual exhibitions, including student and faculty showcases, regional art competitions, and curated traveling exhibits. The Main Gallery, central to the building, offers an expansive space for diverse artistic expressions.

With over 3,000 members and a mission to demystify art, the Indianapolis Art Center continues to serve as a cornerstone of Indianapolis’s cultural landscape, fostering creativity and accessibility for all.