Rain in the forecast? Head to the Indiana University campus for the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. It’s one of the most respected university art museums in the country, and admission is always free.
The building itself is worth the trip. It was designed by I.M. Pei, the architect behind the glass pyramid at the Louvre, and reopened in 2019 after a major renovation. Inside, the collection spans thousands of years, from ancient Greek pottery, Roman sculpture and Egyptian bronzes to European paintings, African art and modern and contemporary work. The galleries are spread over several floors, so you can easily spend a couple of hours without it ever feeling crowded.
The galleries are usually open Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 5 pm and closed on Mondays, but check the website before you go, especially around IU breaks and holidays. Allow two hours or so, and if the rain clears, take a stroll around campus afterwards. The limestone buildings and wooded paths are some of the prettiest in the Midwest.
It’s a short drive or a pleasant walk from our downtown and near-campus homes.
