Did you know that tucked away in Bloomington, Indiana, there’s an absolutely incredible art museum featuring more than 40,000 individual works of art? It’s true – the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art is an incredible place where you can go to relax and learn something at the same time, and better yet: admission is free! When it comes to things to do for free in Indiana, this breathtaking modern art museum is easily among the top destinations.
The Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art began in 1941 as a small collection of art without an official “home” at Indiana University (IU).
Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University/Facebook Thanks to the vision and ideas of a few highly influential people like IU’s President himself, the Fine Arts Building opened in 1962 - and the rest, as they say, is history.
As the collection and its number of generous donors continued to grow in size, so too did the dreams of those behind the project.
Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University/Facebook The building the museum resides in today was built to be a work of art in and of itself. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, it takes on the same style of beautiful, functional modernity that many pieces in the museum’s collections have.
Of course, modern art is only a segment of the incredible collections at the Eskenazi.
Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University/Facebook The museum has many claims to fame; most impressively, it’s the single-largest art museum of any university in the United States - and it’s right here in the lil’ ol’ Midwest.
The museum features an array of significant works from a majority of the art-producing civilizations throughout history.
Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University/Facebook There is no day trip destination in Indiana quite like this one: incredibly educational, endlessly fascinating, and, of course, affordable!
The museum and its exhibits are kept alive through donations and gifts from philanthropists who believe in the importance and celebration of art.
Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University/Facebook Art, and creating art, is and always has been an important part of us as a species; our histories and cultures are filled with creativity and the need to create. It’s a universal language understood around the world and appreciated by all, no matter which continent they reside on. It’s in our blood, and the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art seeks to understand and celebrate this. Suffice to say, the museum succeeds.
It takes at least a few hours to get through everything, especially if and when special events and exhibitions are being held.
Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University/Facebook The museum has also partnered with IU to create “wellness through art” events and classes, and we encourage folks to get involved. Art is a special therapy we could all use, and what better place to find it, learn about it, and create it than here? This is truly one of the best things to do for free in Indiana, if not the country.
Guided tours are available, too!
Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University/Facebook For the most up-to-date hours and events, make sure to visit the official website. There, you’ll also find information about current and past exhibitions, a full history of the museum, and so much more.
Have you ever visited the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art? What was your favorite work in there at the time? Tell us about it in the comments! Craving more of the Indiana art scene? Take a look at this awesome art and nature park in nearby Indianapolis.
Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University/Facebook
Thanks to the vision and ideas of a few highly influential people like IU’s President himself, the Fine Arts Building opened in 1962 - and the rest, as they say, is history.
The building the museum resides in today was built to be a work of art in and of itself. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, it takes on the same style of beautiful, functional modernity that many pieces in the museum’s collections have.
The museum has many claims to fame; most impressively, it’s the single-largest art museum of any university in the United States - and it’s right here in the lil’ ol’ Midwest.
There is no day trip destination in Indiana quite like this one: incredibly educational, endlessly fascinating, and, of course, affordable!
Art, and creating art, is and always has been an important part of us as a species; our histories and cultures are filled with creativity and the need to create. It’s a universal language understood around the world and appreciated by all, no matter which continent they reside on. It’s in our blood, and the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art seeks to understand and celebrate this. Suffice to say, the museum succeeds.
The museum has also partnered with IU to create “wellness through art” events and classes, and we encourage folks to get involved. Art is a special therapy we could all use, and what better place to find it, learn about it, and create it than here? This is truly one of the best things to do for free in Indiana, if not the country.
For the most up-to-date hours and events, make sure to visit the official website. There, you’ll also find information about current and past exhibitions, a full history of the museum, and so much more.
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Address: 1133 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
