Indianapolis Museum of Art

From modest beginnings in 1883, the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) has grown from an exhibition of just 453 paintings by local artists into a world-class collection comprising more than 54,000 artworks from many different periods and continents.

The permanent collection is housed on four floors of the main museum, covering five centuries of painting, sculpture and textiles from Africa, Asia, America and Europe. An eclectic mix of genres as diverse as Ancient Chinese ceramics, Japanese Edo paintings, European Romantic landscapes and postmodern installations turns even the briefest visit into a voyage of discovery, with something to delight, surprise and inspire around every corner.

The textile collection is one of the museum’s most treasured possessions, comprising 500 years of textiles ranging from the exotic silks of the Ming Dynasty to the iconic 20th-century designs made famous by Chanel and Givenchy.

After admiring the beautiful man-made objects housed in the museum building, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. This rolling expanse of woods, fields and lakes is unrecognisable from its former incarnation as a gravel pit. Wander around the park to discover sculptures, installations and artworks dotted among the lawns and trees.

Leave time to explore Oldfields, the former estate of local philanthropist J. K. Lilly. The mansion is a rare surviving example of the American Country Place style of architecture of the 1930s restored to its original glory by the museum, it is now a National Historic Landmark.

On Friday nights during the warm summer months, the IMA hosts a popular programme of outdoor film shows, and throughout the year there are various special events and activities. Check the museum website or ask at the visitor centre for full details.

The Indiana Museum of Art is around 8 kilometres north of Indianapolis city centre. The museum and gardens are open daily and general admission is free, although there may be a charge for certain special events and exhibitions. The museum’s Nourish Café serves a wide selection of snacks and meals using locally sourced ingredients.