Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art

Did you know Indianapolis is host to one of the top ranked contemporary Native art collections in the world?  It's a museum unique to the Midwest and one of two east of the Mississippi.

This city of ours is nearly bursting at the seams with art.  Whether in Fountain Square at the Murphy Arts Building, a cafe on Mass Ave or here at the Harrison Center for the Arts on the Old Northside, Indianapolis has a bounty of art to meet the different needs of art patrons.  That's what makes the Eiteljorg Museum so exciting - it provides a distinct experience for the city and beyond.

Founded by Harrison Eiteljorg through his love the of the West, the museum explores the rich cultures and histories of the American West and Native Americans. The museum's collection has a variety of artists who have wide appeal, works ranging from Andy Warhol to Georgia O’Keeffe to Ansel Adams.  Additionally, traditional Native artifacts (clothing, weaponry, basketry) and contemporary Native items (sculptures and jewelry) are found throughout the museum.

The Western art collection focuses on the history of the West as it was developing and growing from diverse peoples and cultures.  It includes art from the Taos Society of Artists and early modernist artists.  Anywhere from 1820 to present, the museum has a broad collection of Western art.

Located next to Indiana State Museum on the canal, the Eiteljorg not only has these permanent collections on display but special exhibitions.  Currently, a beautiful display of 125 years of American West is the National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West.  Photographs from over 80 photographers highlight the past and present of what makes the West so unique in the world. There's also a contest going on for individuals to submit their best West picture for a chance to win a new digital camera. Find out details here.

Events and festivals are also an important part of the life of the museum.  Come and hear Native stories through song and instrument performed throughout the year.  Or come to the Indian Market & Festival that happens every summer. It's an exciting celebration of Native American fine artists, performers, and food. With over sixty tribes in attendance it is an opportunity to see music and dance performances as well as find unique Native art.

The building of the museum itself even carries the spirit of the West and Native cultures. It is inspired by canyons, deserts, pueblo structures and more so often found in the Southwest.  Around the exterior, too, are sculptures and gardens that are the finishing touch to this museum that gives patrons a full experience both inside and out.

The Eiteljorg is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.  Entry is $10 for adults and children four and under are free. Shop in their store or grab lunch in their cafe and then head out onto the canal to explore more art in Indianapolis.

Discover more at http://www.eiteljorg.org/.