The Indianapolis Art Museum, more commonly known as Newfields, is a major cultural center in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana. It is home to the world’s largest collection of American art, including works by acclaimed artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper and John Singer Sargent.
Newfields also houses an impressive collection of European painting and sculpture from the Renaissance to the present day. In addition to its permanent collections, the museum also hosts rotating exhibitions from around the world.
Newfields was established in 1883 by a gift from industrialist and philanthropist John Herron. The museum was originally known as the John Herron Art Institute and it was located on what is now known as “the Circle” in downtown Indianapolis.
Over time, Herron’s gift grew and evolved into what we now know as Newfields. This expansion included moving to a much larger building on Michigan Street in 1909 and again to its current location at 39th Street and Michigan Road in 1970.
Today, Newfields is considered one of the top art museums in the country. Its mission is to “inspire people through art that explore creativity and knowledge of our world”.
The museum offers a wide variety of educational programs for children and adults alike, including art classes, lectures, films, performances and more. There are also special events such as concerts and festivals held throughout the year.
The name “Newfields” has been used for many years for referring to this cultural center because it has undergone several changes over its lifetime which has given it new life. It reflects how this museum has grown from its humble beginnings into a vibrant institution that serves as an integral part of Indianapolis’ cultural landscape.
Conclusion:
The Indianapolis Art Museum is widely known as Newfields due to its many transformations over time. It has grown from its original location on “the Circle” into an expansive cultural center that houses an impressive collection of American art and provides educational programs for all ages. From its humble beginnings in 1883 until today, Newfields continues to be a vital part of Indianapolis’ culture.