Eskenazi Museum of Art

The Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, education, and cultural commitment. What began humbly in 1941 as a university art collection without a dedicated space has evolved into one of the most expansive and respected university art museums in the United States. Born from the foresight of IU President Herman B Wells and art department head Henry Radford Hope, the museum was envisioned as a global collection representing the full breadth of human creativity across time and culture.

Today, the Eskenazi Museum is more than just a repository of art—it is a vibrant center for learning, exploration, and connection. Following a significant renovation, the museum has reimagined itself as a place where visitors can not only view exceptional works of art but also engage directly with the processes of conservation, curation, and wellness through art-based programs. Its architectural design, by the celebrated I.M. Pei, further distinguishes the museum as a modern landmark that reflects both ambition and elegance.

The museum’s collection encompasses over 45,000 works, spanning continents and centuries—from ancient artifacts and Renaissance paintings to contemporary installations and global visual traditions. It serves as a living resource for students, scholars, and the public, offering hands-on learning experiences and cross-disciplinary inspiration.

Open to all and always free of charge, the Eskenazi Museum of Art invites visitors to experience art not as a distant treasure, but as a shared human legacy that continues to shape how we think, feel, and connect with one another. It embodies Indiana University's commitment to education, inclusion, and the arts as essential to understanding the past and imagining the future.