The Indianapolis Museum of Art is adding a scientific research and analytical laboratory to its existing paintings, paper, objects and textiles conservation laboratories. The science lab and specialty treatment labs will work in tandem to support the understanding and preservation of the Museum’s permanent collections.

This ambitious initiative is made possible by a generous $2.6 million grant from Lilly Endowment which will provide for the instrumentation and renovations necessary to build a scientific laboratory. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded a $1.5 million challenge grant to establish an endowment for a senior conservation scientist position. The Mellon Foundation has also provided $250,000 to recruit and hire the scientist while matching funds are raised.

Once staffed and outfitted, the IMA’s scientific research and analytical laboratory will be akin to labs at other leading art institutions in the United States, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, National Gallery of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Getty Conservation Institute.

Engagement
In addition to aiding in providing the best possible care for and understanding of the IMA’s collections, this initiative will allow our conservation staff to conduct pure and applied research projects, with the goal of making significant contributions to the body of knowledge in the field of conservation. The IMA’s scientific research and analytical laboratory will foster partnerships with universities, as well as corporations involved in central Indiana’s growing role as a hub of the life sciences industry. It will also provide opportunities for the public to interact with behind-the-scenes conservation work and analysis, much like the public conservation of a Sebastiano Mainardi altarpiece in the IMA’s galleries in 2007, which drew over 28,000 visitors.

The Challenge
The IMA must raise an additional $1.5 million within the next three years to secure the $1.5 million matching grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. An additional $1,000,000 is needed to reconfigure the current conservation footprint. A longer-term fundraising goal will endow operations in perpetuity.

For information on how to contribute to this project, email development@imamuseum.org or call 317-923-1331, ext. 434.