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Eskenazi Museum of Art
1133 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
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Ma
Review №1

This is a newly renovated art museum. It is small but has some interesting pieces such as a Duchamp fountain and a Monet. Unfortunately we had an unpleasant experience with a security hard who singled me out and demanded that I put my handbag in a locker. I’ve been to many museums the world over and never been hassled like that. There were three people working the desk when I came in and I stopped and talked to them and none of taken indicated a no handbag in the museum policy. It was too bad because it overshadowed the whole visit.

Th
Review №2

Wonderful and world-class art museum on the IU Bloomington campus! Love going here when I can! It’s so central to campus and easy for students to visit almost anytime they want to.

Ch
Review №3

Absolutely fabulous art here! Large galleries! You can’t beat the free admission either!

Mi
Review №4

I am originally from Indiana and lived in many places around the country and Europe. Visited many museums, too. Nice to come back for a visit to a my home state and find an art museum of this level of quality and sophistication like this in Bloomington! Its a definite must see and experience!!

Ch
Review №5

Few university art museums have a collection as wide-ranging as the Eskenazis. Using the museums own words, its thoughtfully collected objects represent nearly every art-producing culture throughout history. That is no exaggeration. The African and the Oceanic collections here are impressively diverse. How often do you get to see a carving from Madagascar, or a figure from Atauro Island in an U.S. art museum, let alone one in a university? On the other hand, a few other collections are noticeably smaller, and they leave me with the impression that the only reason they are on display is to make the permanent exhibitions encyclopedic.The very well-written and detailed labels are a huge plus point. Not only are they arranged by geographic regions and cultural groups, they are also supplemented by educational and interesting themes. Given the all-encompassing nature of the collection here, maps would be a nice addition on introductory labels.On the contrary, lighting may be the most disappointing part of this otherwise great museum. It does not enhance the viewing experience of the art and often reflects on the display cases. Worse still, because what would normally be displayed separately (e.g. African art and Pre-Columbian art) is grouped together in one single gallery space at the Eskenazi, lighting tends to be uniform on most pieces. While Im not an expert on lighting, it doesnt feel right if Roman marbles and Buddhist sculptures are lighted the same way.My obsession about lighting shouldnt, and probably wont deter anyone from visiting this place. Free admission, multiple entrances that lead directly to different levels, and a high-ceilinged atrium (though doesnt feel particularly spacious) join force to make the Eskenazi an inviting space to learn about and enjoy art from different areas and eras, or, again, using the museums own words, to see the world without leaving Bloomington.

si
Review №6

So awesome

Ke
Review №7

An excellent collection, and especially of ancient art!

Th
Review №8

Beautiful art housed in an appropriately beautiful building

Bi
Review №9

Remodeled in spectacular fashion. Not to be missed!

Tr
Review №10

Very nice for a weekend outing.

Je
Review №11

Fascinating collection, beautifully curated; a seamlessly easy museum-going experience in a gorgeous I.M. Pei-designed building. I always look forward to a visit when in Bloomington. Im sad its closed for renovation, and look forward to its reopening.

Ro
Review №12

This would get five stars if the museum didn’t shut down for so long and the security wasn’t breathing down your neck.I’m not going to touch the art like a child, so relax.

Ma
Review №13

Ive only visited once, because at the time I was interested in the works of I.M. Pei and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, but it was definitely worthwhile.

Ry
Review №14

Truly a fantastic display of various cultures right here in Bloomington. Take the time to come in and see how privileged we are to have such a collection that would be the envy of any major metropolitan area, let alone college campus. This is a wonderful place to just come, unwind, and relax while looking at some breathtaking exhibits.

Ki
Review №15

Ive been coming to the IU Art Museum ever since I was very little. Their galleries are filled with beautiful, mysterious and inspiring pieces from across the world and throughout the past. Its a wonderful place where you will always find something new to see!

Lu
Review №16

I just woke up all the way and it resulted to be closed

ro
Review №17

This place is going to be awesome after it is finished from the rebuild.

Ti
Review №18

One of the top college museums in the country. Will be closing spring of 2017 for a three year renovation

Da
Review №19

A great collection of art in an amazing facility. I really enjoyed the recent Vik Muniz exhibition here.

Te
Review №20

For a rather small city such as Bloomington, this museum is excellent. The art inside is as impressive as the I.M. Pei designed architecture of the building. Ive been a handful of times and every time I return theres always something new and fascinating I didnt see the previous time, the last time being Vik Munizs exhibit. They know how to bring the right artists through there.

Ri
Review №21

This is one of the most impressive places to visit at IU. They house a variety of pieces by very famous painters and artists, such as Vik Muniz, Picasso and Monet. On top of that there is no entrance fee and the gift shop is really neat.

Ma
Review №22

Fantastic works of art: Rembrandt, Picasso, Monet etc.... They have a great collection!

Ta
Review №23

Built from 1979-1981 by the firm of I.M. Pei, this is the fourth home of the Indiana University permanent art collection. It houses nearly 45,000 pieces with around 3-4% of the collection on display at any given time. While there are certainly masterworks always on display, some areas of the collections are changed every semester to every year.There are four galleries -- the first floor with Western art from early Christianity until now; the second floor with ancient and Asian art; the third floor with Mesoamerican, Pacific, and African art; the Hexagon with 2-3 special exhibits that change at least twice a year. The galleries are open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10am to 5pm and Sundays Noon to 5pm; the galleries are closed on Mondays for docent and staff training and work. The IUAM is always free and every Saturday afternoon you can take a guided tour. There are monthly special tours and weekly lectures that you can learn about on the IUAM website. The collection is not built from tax money but from donations and grants.Complaints about the security guards are unwarranted; they protect the collections and they protect you. If you are told to remove a bag or to step back, you are probably doing something wrong. This is NOT a childrens hands-on museum, you can visit one of those up in Indy.Just please note that I am a docent for this museum but I am being as objective as possible in this review while trying to address some misinformation Ive seen in a few other reviews.

Di
Review №24

More exotic painting than youd expect to see.

Ma
Review №25

Good, free art museum right on campus. They have a variety of events here (including live music).

An
Review №26

The bathrooms are the most unsanitary place Ive ever been and i was arrested because Im gay and they didnt like gay people

Le
Review №27

Pretty high quality museum for a college town.

El
Review №28

Love this art museum, has plenty of amazing pieces, even a Picasso

Li
Review №29

Great museum in a small college town.

In
Review №30

Established in 1941 featuring approximately 45,000 art objects, the building was designed by I.M. Pei.

Be
Review №31

Under renovation.

Vi
Review №32

Acessible to visitors

Ki
Review №33

Great art----and its free!

Ty
Review №34

Very cool building

Ch
Review №35

Tons of beautiful exhibits, free, wonderful buildings with interesting stairs

Lu
Review №36

Awkward stairs but beautiful museum!!

Br
Review №37

The staff is rude ! Art was lacklustre and overrated !

Information
77 Photos
37 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:1133 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
  • Site:https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/
  • Phone:+1 812-855-5445
Categories
  • Art museum
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:12–5pm
  • Thursday:12–5pm
  • Friday:12–7pm
  • Saturday:12–5pm
  • Sunday:Closed
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Restaurant:Yes
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