Newfields, the campus that includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Lilly House, The Garden and the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, has unveiled two ambitious exhibitions for summer 2026 that celebrate American creativity and amplify voices often overlooked in traditional museum narratives.

Our America: 250 Years of Independence, Innovation and Creativity
This campus-wide initiative invites visitors to reflect on U.S. history and culture through sixteen stops scattered across the museum and outdoor grounds. Works by luminaries such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper and Kehinde Wiley hang alongside pieces by artists whose names may be new to you, including sculptor Elizabeth Catlett and photographer Sheila Pree Bright. Installations explore innovation in design, architecture and craft – from quilts and prints to midcentury glass and contemporary ceramics. The exhibition also highlights Newfields’ own architectural gems. Lilly House, the National Historic Landmark home of the Lilly family, provides a lens on early 20th-century life in Indianapolis, while the Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana, stands as an icon of modernist design. “Our America” runs throughout 2026, inviting return visits to experience the gardens and galleries in different seasons.

The Source: Art of the African Diaspora
Curated by multidisciplinary artist Kyng Rhodes, “The Source” brings together painting, sculpture, fashion and photography that center the identities, histories and experiences of people of African descent. Artists respond to themes of resilience, migration and cultural continuity, drawing connections between centuries-old artistic traditions and today’s creative movements. The show features work by local and international makers and includes programs ranging from artist talks to music and dance performances. It runs at the Indianapolis Museum of Art from June 11 through August 16, 2026, giving summer visitors ample time to engage with its layers of meaning.

Visiting Tips
Newfields is located at 4000 Michigan Road, just north of downtown Indianapolis. Standard admission provides access to the museum galleries, gardens and Lilly House, while separate tickets are required for Miller House tours in Columbus. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring; the gardens alone encompass 152 acres with seasonal blooms, towering trees and public art installations. Bring comfortable shoes to wander the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, where contemporary sculptures and nature trails wind around a 35-acre lake. Families may want to pack a picnic or take advantage of on-site cafés.

Weekends can be busy, so consider weekday mornings or evenings for a quieter experience. Newfields hosts regular programming, including Summer Nights film screenings, outdoor yoga and special member previews of new exhibitions. Check the website for hours, ticket prices and parking information. Indiana residents receive free admission on the first Thursday of each month, and membership provides unlimited visits plus discounts at the museum store and café.

Beyond the Galleries
After viewing “Our America” and “The Source,” explore other corners of the campus. The Clowes Pavilion often features rotating contemporary art installations, while the historic Lilly House offers a glimpse into the city’s cultural elite in the 1930s. Outdoor installations such as Funky Bones and the pastoral landscape of The Garden are perennial favorites. For those inspired by design, day trips to the Miller House in Columbus are well worth the 45-minute drive; tours showcase the iconic midcentury home designed by Eero Saarinen with interiors by Alexander Girard.