Archives
archives@imamuseum.org
By appointment only
Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Mission Statement: The IMA Archives collects, preserves and makes accessible the historical records produced by the IMA and other records related to the history of the IMA, for the administrative support of the museum and for historical research.
Learn more about the history of the IMA.
The IMA’s 125th anniversary publication, Every Way Possible, is an excellent resource on the history of the IMA and features materials from the IMA Archives. Available for purchase through the IMA shop or visit the IMA Stout Reference Library.
Many IMA historical publications from 1883 to today are also available in the Library, including the IMA magazine, annual reports, and exhibition catalogs. The Library is open to the public without an appointment Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 2-5 pm and Thursdays 2-8 pm.
About the Archives
Formally established in 2010, the IMA Archives is comprised of over 1000 linear feet museum records, manuscripts, personal papers, ephemera, scrapbooks, photographs, videotapes, films, and artifacts which chronicle the history of the institution since its founding in 1883.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art departmental records contain: correspondence, photographs, architectural plans, publications, memoranda, press releases, meeting minutes, scrapbooks, annual reports.
The subject of museum records might be exhibitions, art or financial donations, conservation of an art object, renovation of the museum building, or other activities of the museum. The records can be a photograph, a video recording, a newspaper clipping, an email, a bound publication, or just a handwritten list.
In addition to collecting the records of the museum departments, the IMA Archives also collects papers of individuals related to museum interests such as trustees, former directors, curators and other staff; records of affiliated organizations such as art committees and the Alliance; and other primary research materials related to the museums properties and art collections, such as the Miller House and Garden and Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens.
Resources
Only processed collections are included in the database. As collections become available, they will be added to the database. If you need assistance locating additional resources, please contact the archivist for more information: archives@imamuseum.org. Search IMA Archives collections.
Highlights from the Archives
Miller House & Garden Papers [1953-2008]
The Miller House and Garden Papers contains materials documenting the design, construction, history, and maintenance of the residence over a period of over 50 years from 1953-2009. The Collection includes four categories of materials: documents, drawings, photographs, and materials samples. Read More
IMA Exhibition Records [1883- ongoing]
The IMA Archives Exhibition Records document the planning and execution of exhibitions starting in 1883 and are ongoing. The records may include checklists, exhibition catalogs, images of installations, correspondence, press clippings and other documents. Read More
J. Ottis Adams Papers [1882-1951]
John Ottis Adams was born in 1851 in Amity, Indiana. He was one of the original five artists of the Hoosier Group. The papers include exhibition catalogues related to Adams' professional interests and many journal articles describing Adams' work and the exhibition of his paintings. Read More
