|
 The
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is
located in White River
State Park, within walking distance from the RCA Dome
and Circle Centre Mall. It is one of only two museums east
of the Mississippi River that display both Western and
Native American art, history, and culture. The Eiteljorg
Museum opened in 1989, and was founded by Harrison Eiteljorg
(1903-1997).
The Eiterljorg contains
one of the best Western and Native American art collections
in the world. The collections showcase both contemporary
and traditional work, featuring artists such as Georgia
O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Kay WalkingStick, N.C. Wyeth, T.C.
Cannon, Charles Russell, Allan Houser, and Frederic
Remington.
 The
museum offers a gallery known as Mihtohseenionki, or the
People’s Place. This gallery explores the indigenous people
of Indiana – the Miami, the Delaware, and the Potawatomi
Indians. It does this through historical photos, preserved
rare objects, audiovisual technology, and interactive
displays. There are other galleries that feature Native
American artifacts and art from across the nation. In
addition, the Eiteljorg has an alliance with the Smithsonian
National Museum of American Indian that gives access to
traveling collections and exhibitions.
The Eiteljorg has an
Education Center that allows the guests to learn about
Native American and Western culture through workshops,
demonstrations, and hands-on activities. This center has
two art studios and a resource center that provides access
to books, DVDS and videos in conjunction with the
Indianapolis Marion County Public Library.
When you’re done looking
around the museum, the Eiteljorg offers a Sky City Café. It
is a casual dining restaurant that serves meals inspired by
Native American and Western culture. The DeHaan Family
Terrace features garden apace along the Central Canal.
The Eiteljorg Museum’s
address is 500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
46204. For more information call 317-636-WEST (9378). The
hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm (Mondays
are closed from Labor Day through Memorial Day), and Sunday
from Noon to 5:00pm. There are public tours available every
day at 1:00pm. Tickets in are $8 for Adults, $7 for Senior
citizens, $5 for children 5-17 with student ID’s, and free
for children 4 and under. Members and IUPUI students are
also free. |
