To be honest, the Indianapolis Museum of Art attractions have already surprised me at the first step into the extensive terrain – a piece of history that was opened in 1933 as the “Indianapolis Museum of Art” and has since become a silent pride of the region in Center Township, Marion County. I have always felt the museum as the “underestimated heart” of the city, because it not only houses old paintings, but also a huge sculpture garden paradise that is best reached by bike – the city bikes are on the main road, and a short ride through the nearby Broad Ripple Trail will take you directly to the main entrance without you being hovered in the indy traffic. What really enthuses me is the mix of classical art and contemporary installations; I don't quite understand the hype about the huge “Maman” spider, but the next hanging, almost kitschige Pop-Art series is really great and makes me smile. The library in the old manor house is a quiet retreat where I like to take my coffee break while thinking about the history of the city – yes, Indianapolis used to be a railway node, and this is still felt in the old warehouses, which today serve as exhibition rooms. A small tip: When you arrive by train, get off at the Broad Ripple station and walk through the park for the last 10 minutes; This saves you annoying parking and gives you the feeling of being a real insider. And yes, the Indianapolis Museum of Art attractions are not only a place to look at, but a place to experience – with a touch of cynicism that I personally do not want to miss.
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The first place I took after visiting the Indianapolis Museum of Art was the venerable Conner Prairie in Fishers – a bit like a lively history book that takes your nose over when you spend too much time in dusty libraries. I took part in a 19-year-old barn, and while I tried to use an old spinning wheel, a young guy came past a cowboy hat and explained to me that this was all “authentic”. Parking? Mostly a Klacks, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, the field becomes the battlefield area for families with strollers.
A short trip to Speedway brought me to Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. This is where the air literally crawls in front of gasoline nostalgia, and I had to admit that I don't fully understand the hype around the Indy-500 – the whole circle around an oval looks like an endless loop song for me. Nevertheless, the museum is a treasure box made of shiny racing cars, and the highlight was an original lotus from the 60s I almost thought was an artwork. Parking is a labyrinth, but the staff has a good sense of humor when you ask for a free place.
A few hours drive south leads you into the Brown County State Park, the Indiana version of “Wilder Westen” is only without cowboys, for it with more squirrels that stare at you remotely. I made a hike there that led me through a foliage roof that shone like an Instagram filter in autumn. The entrance is free, parking costs a few dollars, and the view from the view tower is so good that I almost forgot that I actually wanted only a photo for my social media story.
A jump to the north, almost to the border of Michigan, takes you to Indiana Dunes National Park. I was there in the summer when the sand dunes seemed like a huge, warm bath for the feet. Lake Michigan's water is cool enough to refresh you after a long day at the museum, and the trails are well marked – at least if you are not followed by a group of ducks that seem to have the same goal. Parking spaces are limited, so better to be there early, otherwise you are standing in traffic as at a concert.
If you want to taste the real Indiana, go after Shipshewana to the Amish Country. There are no bright neon lights, only quiet country roads and handmade furniture that you can't afford because you prefer to spend your money on craft beers. I ate a piece of apple cake there that was so good that I almost forgot I was actually just a short stop. Parking is a field that is usually free as long as you don't swing past the Thanksgiving Festival.
Another natural paradise that I can hardly mention without a bit of swarming is the Hoosier National Forest. There are more trees per square kilometre than in any art museum I have ever visited. I ran a trail that led me through a dense pine forest laboratory, and suddenly I stood before a waterfall that was so loud that I could no longer hear my own thoughts. Parking is discreet, but the paths are well maintained – a small comfort for those who do not like to be in the mud.
Finally, for those who prefer to stay on wheels, the Monon Trail an endless, asphalted path that sounds through suburbs and small towns. I spent half a day with my bike, past cafés that offer more Latte art than an art museum sculptures. The best thing: the trail is free, and parking at the entry points is usually an empty parking space, unless you are lucky to come on the weekend, then it becomes a bit messy.
If after a day in Indianapolis Museum of Art want to see a little more from the region, then these sights are a real added value – from history to speed to untouched nature. They show that the surrounding area around the museum has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance and complete the experience with a portion of local authenticity. Indianapolis Museum of Art Sights are not only what you find within the walls, but also what you can discover in the surrounding areas.
So, next time you're in Center Township, let's go first Oldfields Mansion stop – this is the true heart of Indianapolis Museum of Art for me. I mean, the whole property looks like a film set from the 20s, and I don't understand the hype around the magnificent stucco ceilings, but the creeping parquet under my feet has something that makes me a little nostalgic every time. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, it becomes a real problem because then everyone suddenly wants to come here from the city to become “cultural”.
right behind the house stretches the Formula gardena bit like a mini-seals for people who have no time for long walks. I once tried to shoot a photo of the roses, and the bees almost flew me out of the picture – a real reminer that nature is not just Instagram material. The path leads you further to Sculpture garden, where you stumble between huge metal forms and abstract stone figures that give more questions than answers. I always wondered if the artist really thought: “Hey, let’s place this in the middle of the green, so that visitors wonder if the work of art or the weed deserves more attention. ‘
A short detour over the bridge leads you to Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. There are no walls, only endless lawns and installations that weigh in the wind. I was there the other day when a huge, bright red balloon suddenly fell out of the sky – no joke, that was part of a temporary exhibition, and I stood there like a confused tourist who doesn't know whether to applaud or run away. The park is free, but parking is a bit of a gamble: the main parking lot is full, so take the smaller field next to the café, which usually has a few places left.
Back inside the museum there is the European Art Collection, which I personally refer to as the “must-or-can-not-be”. There are paintings that you know from the art class, but I always feel that the visitors here only slip through the halls because they think that every picture is an Instagram spot. I once put myself in the corner of the room to conduct a silent conversation with a silent portrait – that was almost therapeutic until a child shouted “Wow!” and returned the whole to reality.
A little further there is Asian Art Departmentthat surprises me every time, because it not only shows porcelain and calligraphy, but also interactive media that almost let you forget that you are in a museum. I saw a video that simulates a Zen garden, and I sat there while a thunderstorm died outside – that was a strange but somehow calming contrast game.
If you think it was all, then you have the Art Lab missed, as the “Children's Room for Adults”. Here you can experiment with clay, color and digital tools, and I made my first misfortune sculpture of recycled metal – a real work of art, if you interpret the term “art” generously. The opening hours are flexible, and the staff is usually friendly, except when you talk too loud about your “genial idea”, then you get a look that says: “Please let the others be creative.”
A last hint before I say goodbye: If you are looking for a quick overview, simply tap “Indianapolis Museum of Art Sights” into your search bar – this will give you a lot of lists, but believe me, nothing will replace the feeling of strolling through the halls and remembering that each corner holds a small piece of history (or at least a good photo motif).
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