We drove 2.5 hours for Newfield's Winterlights and it did not disappoint! Parking was easy and…read moreclose to the entrance. When we first arrived right at opening, it was really crowded and people were packed in so we went to Lilly House for a drink and by the time we got back out, people had spread out more. I really enjoyed the variety of light installations and there were plenty of great photo op areas. The shop had some very nice choices and was not packed like I expected. There was one person in front of us at the checkout but two employees, one doing the check out and the other wrapping up items and bagging them, made it a quick and efficient process. We enjoyed our trip so much that we're now looking into what other events are available throughout the year.

My husband and I had a great time at Newfields: A Place for Nature and the Arts. Newfields is a…read morecombination of the Lily House and gardens as well and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This is in one facility and is all included for one admission price. We started in the gardens. There is a large area to walk and enjoy nature. Make sure that you visit the Lily House and the surrounding grounds. The Indianapolis Museum of Art takes up the second and third floors of the building. There is lots to see here. Each area could take an entire day to properly experience. There is also a gift shop and cafe to check out. I highly recommend Newfields: A Place for Nature and the Arts!

What a fun place on a holiday with kids! It was crazy as it was free and a school holiday, but they…read morehad a ton of fun interactive events and booths for the kids. Our gang especially loved the rock painting and IMAX movie. We love that they also have a special reserved spot for eating or snacks. We brought our lunch so we're able to spend the whole day there and enjoy all the various activities. It is a big place so you can entertain lots of ages. We will be back!

The Indiana State Museum is a fabulous venue that archives state treasures and educates the public…read moreabout State history and resources. I take my granddaughters a couple times a year to visit the mastodons and mammoths, Indiana fossils, and other exhibits. Today, we visited Santa's house and rode the Snowfall Express Christmas Train. The fun ride takes the kids through an imaginary winter wonderland. Before the ride, Kid's can play with hands-on puzzles. Santa and Mrs. Claus invited the kids into their home and talk about their wishes. Parents could take photos or purchase Museum generated photos. (I did both.) Afterward, the kids enjoyed an interactive area on the first floor of the museum. The kids managed a sound track, made shadows behind a light screen and much more. They played (and learned) for over an hour. We had lunch in the Cafe. We get a 10% discount with our Museum membership. The food is good and reasonably priced. The staff is super friendly. Indoor parking in the garage is discounted for members. We go to all of the Museum's special events. We never miss GeoFest in February.

My husband and I went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and had a wonderful experience. Taking up…read morethe second and third floors of the Newfields building, there is so much to see here. You could easily spend the entire day here and still have more to see. The museum features art from around the world as well as special temporary exhibits. While we were there, the museum featured an exhibit on furniture and design as art. I highly recommend the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

I've been to the museum probably approximately four times since '99…read more I was able to enjoy free entry at one time years ago unless there was a special exhibit in which there was a fee. Regardless, this is an exceptional museum, and it is worth the price to get in even to see the features and exhibits. I saw the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit years ago. It was stunning. Recently I went to see the Salvador Dali exhibit. Wow wow and wow. Did I mention wow?! I am a HUGE fan and have been for many years. I was fortunate to go the main museum in St. Pete Florida years ago. That was mind blowing and stunning, and the IMAs exhibit also did not disappoint. The movie feature that is illuminated on many walls in two connecting and flowing rooms in the first main area you walk into is magical and outstanding. It showcases and touches on Dali's life from childhood until his death. It discusses his art as it morphed and progressed into a deeper and more profound surrealism. I would go again just to try to watch the cinematic feature to absorb it more because it was immense and intense. I would also recommend the room on the second floor that is a meditative experience. There are abstract images that slowly move and change projected on the ceiling. They also play soothing dreamy music. You can sit and recline on chairs in the room to get a better and more relaxed view. I don't recall that exhibit being there since the last time I visited the museum. I am looking forward to seeing the winter/holiday lights at Newfields soon.

I've wanted to visit the Eiteljorg for a while now so I'm glad I got to visit on MLK Free Day!…read more I won't give away too much of what's inside but there's a lot of artwork by artists who are Native to the North American landmass, inclusive of Inuit art. I liked the Jingle Rails special holiday exhibit which featured recreations of many landmarks across the United States with electric train sets moving throughout the exhibit. I shared a few of my favorite sights with this review. There is also a nice cafe that has a pretty full service menu. Since we already had lunch, we only stopped by for a soft drink. You can actually visit the cafe without visiting the full museum, and receipts to the cafe can actually validate the underground parking at the White River State Park!

You can still go to this season's Jingle Rails which ends on MLKJ Day. I borrowed a library pass…read moreand got my friend and me in as well as validated free parking. This is my 3rd visit ever, and this year was the funniest because of the seek and find game for a tattoo sticker or a piece of candy. It drew us to look at the details. This year the new exhibit is Route 66 and quite educational. It was my friend's first time to this exhibit.

This is a great spot for locals and visitors alike! We stopped by from out of town thinking it…read morewould be a good winter activity for our little one while it's too cold to walk much outside. The conservatory exceeded our expectations! Admissions is affordable at $5 per person, but it was free the day we visited because of a reptile show! We got to see tortoises, skinks, salamanders, tarantulas, snakes, and more! Inside the conservatory, there are fish and a couple other critters permanently on display. The signage around the gardens is informative and interesting- and the plants are simply beautiful! So well cared for and healthy. I could have walked around the loop 5 times and noticed new things each time. There are several places to sit and relax throughout the gardens (we fed our baby on one of the benches). There is a restroom and coat racks- which you'll need because the gardens are quite warm! What a great find for the afternoon! Bonus that it's located right in a park, by a library, several cute places to stop and eat, and public art. The only downside I can think of is that there wasn't a ton of parking- probably more accessible when there isn't a special event going on!

There is something about plants and nature that brighten up my mood. I came here on a gloomy rainy…read moreday, and it was the perfect decision to lift up my spirits. It's close to the highway so easy access and near my house - double plus. The admission to get in was $4 per person, and they take card - another plus for being inexpensive. They have plants for sale and host events/activities, the lady working was friendly and explained all of that. They have brochures in the front as well. Inside is so astonishing, there is so much to see. It's so beautiful, I adore and admire all of it. I love how things are labeled and have informational tidbits about the plants. They have ponds with live fish and waterfalls around. They have a restroom and it had a window so of course there is a plant inside, I love it. I'll have to take note next time I go here that it was very warm inside, I felt very hot so dress accordingly. There is parking available. Check hours before coming, holidays vary.

When you're a museum addict like me, you're looking for anything to see and experience. This was…read moremore art gallery than museum, as the nice lady was a bit surprised when I came in and asked to see the art. But with plexiglass and masks, plus the fact that I was the only one here made for an interesting experience. Lots of landscapes and a few portraits. Amazing interesting and the talent of the artist shines through. The gallery is a great collection of his works and worth a visit. Oh, and it's free. I agree with Ken's point. There are no captions or explanations with the pictures. Those would really help. Street parking and nothing for sale here. [Review 13519 overall, 838 of 2020.]

The museum is a daughter's tribute to the lifetime work of her father's passion for art. Alkis…read moreKeramidas is the sole artist in this free collection located at Vermont and College. During regular office hours (M-F 9-5), visitors may view the dozens of representative pieces in numerous styles in the gallery. The colorful and whimsical landscapes are from his native Greece as well as of time spent in Indiana. Most of the paintings are in bright autumn colors. But don't be fooled by the whimsy. Below the large paintings are a couple smaller paintings that have the most realistic water images I have ever seen in a painting! Absolutely amazing! Towards the back of the gallery are pieces that represent the dark experience and observations of the artist from World War II. The color and whimsy of the landscapes really contrast the dark tones of this part of the collection. The caricatures of each painting express the emotions that many of the people experienced during the period of war. The gallery also has a nook where other style of painting are represented. My only negative about the gallery is that there has been no attempt at labeling any of the pieces. Some of the signatures include year references, but otherwise, there is very little information. No flyers or handouts. The only information about the artist or any of his work is at the website. If they would add small descriptions for each piece, it would add to the experience for the viewer. Review #249

What an inspiration! They encourage so many local artists. My daughter and I did the tour which was…read moreFREE. It was interesting to see actual artists workshops like their "brain". Each month they rotate the various art in there MULTIPLE galleys. It also included a karaoke elevator and bouldering rock climbing wall on the roof. Loved it!

There's much to love about Indy's Harrison Center, a place I hadn't visited for quite some time…read moreuntil recently when I had the opportunity to stop by and check out a friend's exhibit during a First Friday event. This entire corner has always intrigued me. The roots of the Harrison Center go all the way back to 1903 when the First Presbyterian congregation planted its fourth church home at the corner of 16th and Delaware. It was also the neighborhood housing the home of President Benjamin Harrison, a First Presbyterian elder and Sunday School teacher. In 1970, the Presbyterian Metropolitan Center became a central location for Indy Presbyterian congregations to do community outreach. However, by the late 90's the building had fallen into disrepair and was acquired by local philanthropist Jeremy Efroymson. In 2000, he opened it as the Harrison Center for the Arts, a secular and for-profit arts center with tenants like VSA (Very Special Arts), Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Herron School of Art, The Nature Conservancy, and other artists. A year later, a concert was held during Talbot Street Art Fair here and this would turn into the acclaimed Independent Music & Art Festival. Redeemer would acquire the building and in 2002 began operating as Harrison Center. By 2003, Harrison Center became a non-profit and its artist population grew. Within a couple years, it received Nuvo's Cultural Vision Award. In 2007, it housed the birth of Herron High School. Numerous other projects are started over the next several years and in 2017, Harrison Center for the Arts becomes simply Harrison Center. Programs include First Fridays, Art Dish, IMAF, Community Engagement Drawing Sessions, Greatriarchs, Preenact Indy, Music, Video, Foodcon, Porch Party Indy, Place-Based Art, and the podcast "Music in Place." The artist slate is full here, though Harrison Center has a variety of rooms that can be rented (not all are fully accessible - be sure to ask if that's needed!). There's even a gymnasium that's pretty awesome. Facilities include the 1,100 square foot Harrison Gallery, the 1920s gymnasium, Speck Gallery, 24 artist studios (on 3 floors, again not all accessible). The artist studios are cool because many of the spaces were formerly parts of a church and retain that feeling. You can buy art from the artists and some of it is available online. I'm currently eyeing a couple of pieces. This is a wonderful space with a tremendous feeling filled with people who love art and artists. Art comes in a variety of prices, though these are all professional artists and prices reflect that. While I'm tempted to take off a star simply because there are some accessibility issues, it has improved over time and generally I can typically get where I need to go. However, if you have certain places you're trying to get to it's definitely a question I'd ask first. I recently returned for a First Friday event and fell in love with the space again. I look forward to returning in the near future.

We had a great experience here today. There is a small amount of parking behind the building. We…read morelearned a lot and even attended a talk today here. I didn't realize there is a small cafe on the second level. There is a lot of space here to read and work as well. Must see for any fan of Vonnegut or anyone wanting to learn about the history of Indiana Avenue!

I really enjoyed this museum. It's small, but in a way that makes it feel personal. They have…read morepieces from his real life and the stories behind them are so interesting. The staff was super kind and they enjoyed hosting us for our small gathering that afternoon. You can just feel how they care for this place. I wasn't there long, but the time I did spend felt meaningful and worth it. If you're in Indy and want something different that makes you think a little, definitely stop by.

Oldfields is one of my favorite spots to visit in Indianapolis. I visit a couple times each year,…read morebut my favorite time to visit is during the Christmas season when the mansion is decorated for the holidays. Oldfields was designed by noted architect, Lewis K. Davis, in 1910 for the family of Hugh Landon, an executive of Fletcher Trust. The Landon family lived in the house from 1913-1932, when the house was sold to J. Lilly, Jr. the Lillys donated the property to the Arts Association of Indianapolis in 1966, where it became part of the present day Newfields Art Museum. All this information is summarized in detail on placards in the basement of the home. The home is huge, of course, and has been restored and maintained to its 1913 glory. I like to imagine living in the home during the early days. There is a music room, library (built by Lilly), dining room, pantry, kitchen. The upstairs bedrooms are not opened to the public. Downstairs there is a billiards room and carriage house. Information about each room is described on small boards. Paintings of a young Ruth Lilly, adorn several walls. The back of the house overlooks the White River. Gardens surround the mansion and make a delightful springtime stroll. During Winterlights, the front grounds are filled with Christmas lights that dance to the music of the Indianapolis Symphony. In the basement, there is a small gift shop that sells the "shirt" and seasonal gifts. Admission to the museum (or Winterlights) includes a self guided walking tour of the mansion. The home is definitely worth a visit.

Amazing place to visit. There iis always something new and exciting to experience…read more The IMA is constantly changing with the guest's experience in mind.

I really enjoyed the presentation of this exhibit about ancient Greece. Our country owes so much…read moreof our culture and system of law and governance to this ancient society. This exhibit breaks the presentation into parts that give older kids and adults something to enjoy while at the museum for just another $5 each. When you first step in, there is a holding area with a preview of some of the items you will see. Some are actual artifacts while some are plaster casts of the originals so that you can share in viewing a wider range of items. After a short wait, those gathered will be taken into a viewing room where there is a brief presentation giving you a background refresher before entering the main collection area. The presentation uses some state of the art technology to bring the items next to the screen to life. After the film and presentation (roughly 5 minutes), the doors open and you can wander around the large collection area to explore the different facets of Greek life. There is a section devoted to governance, to the arts, to sports, to mythology, and more. There are golden jewelry and crowns, elaborate pottery, and even an early computer that was found underwater after the ship carrying it sank. Note that there are some interactive items for kids who need to be doing something rather than just looking. There were also a couple interactive presentations that were taking place with the staff who were providing more information about the topic. Very cool and fascinating way to refresh your appreciation of those who came before us. The exhibit runs through Jan 5, 2020, so get there soon! Review #3420