The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art tells the stories of the peoples of North America in all their diversity and complexity. It’s a place for historical context, artistic expression, new ideas and individual perspectives. Here, visitors immerse themselves in the diverse cultures of the West and Native America, and sharing these amazing American stories is what we do at the Eiteljorg.
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art was founded by an Indianapolis businessman and philanthropist, Harrison Eiteljorg and other civic leaders. The museum opened in 1989, with the mission to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history, and cultures of the American West and the Indigenous peoples of North America. The museum carries out this focus in exciting and often surprising ways.
The Eiteljorg collects, conserves and exhibits outstanding Western art and Native American art and cultural objects. The museum’s collection includes artists such as T.C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Kay WalkingStick. The institution’s contemporary Native American art collection has been ranked among the best in the world.
The Eiteljorg Museum is the only museum of its kind in the Midwest, and one of only two museums east of the Mississippi that explore both Native America and the American West. Renowned programs such as the Indian Market and Festival, Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship and the Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale have helped the museum cultivate a national reputation as a premiere cultural institution.
In addition to the museum’s robust permanent collections, there is engaging temporary special exhibitions that use beautiful imagery, artifacts, interactives and more to tell stories. These powerful exhibits are included with the price of admission to the museum.
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is located at 500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 in downtown in White River State Park (WRSP), on the corner of West Street and Washington Street. Contact Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art at 317-636-9378.
