Themed Tours

Guided, themed tours of the IMA galleries are available to educational groups (universities, preschools, after-school programs, home school groups and traditional classrooms) for grades preschool and up. All tours should be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance of your visit.

Creative Hoosiers: Indiana Artists @ IMA (Grades 4-12)

The State of Indiana has produced many notable artists. The IMA's collection supports this rich history, beginning in the late 19^th century and moving well into the 21^st. Come and witness the creativity, talent and inspiration of some of your fellow Hoosiers!

Cycles: African Life Through Art (Grades 7-12)

Closed March 1-May 10.

Many cultures in Africa see the stages of life bound together in a continuous circle. Explore this circle through the art of Africa. Based on the award-winning IMA Web site, Cycles: African Life Through Art.

Explore the Art of France (Grades 9-12)

The art of a country is a record of culture, history, people and places. Explore the rich art and culture of France.

This tour is available in French and is subject to a 30-day notice and the availability of French-speaking docents.

Learning to Look: Animals in Art (Grades P-3)

Experience a variety of artworks while exploring the galleries and searching for wildlife at the IMA. Animals abound in this tour combining careful looking and critical thinking as you discover some of the many ways in which animals are portrayed in art. A hands-on art cart is available for groups of up to 40 students.

Learning to Look: Sound (Grades P-3)

Listen closely and learn about sound as you explore works of art that have something to say. Students will use their eyes and ears to help them think about the various ways in which artists depict sound.

Learning to Look: Children in Art (Grades P-3

While exploring the galleries and experiencing a variety of artworks, students will think about how children have been portrayed in art over time and in many different cultures.

Learning to Look: Art Basics (Grades P-3)

Look for the basic elements of a work of art while discovering shapes, colors, materials, and other design elements in a tour of the galleries. Students will explore these ideas while looking at art from a variety of culture and historic periods. A hands-on art cart is available for groups of up to 40 students.

Life in Early Europe (Grades 4-12)

Explore the life and culture of early Europe through works of art from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Dutch Golden Age.

Oldfields (Grades 4-12)

Oldfields is closed seasonally from January through March.

Restored to its 1930s grandeur, the Lilly House, former home to businessman J.K. Lilly, Jr., is an exquisite example of a traditional country estate. The surrounding grounds offer breathtaking views and a newly restored historical, organic garden. Tour the home and step back into early 20^th century Indiana history. (This space can accommodate groups of up to 40.)

Spotlight a Collection (Grades K-12)

Take an in-depth tour of one of our galleries and learn more about one of the IMA's specific collections. Choose to focus on works of art from either the American, Contemporary, African, Asian or European collections.

For elementary and middle grade students, the Spotlight tours of the African and Asian collections include opportunities for up to 60 students to closely examine and handle authentic objects related to the tours.

Voices and Visions: African American Artists @ IMA (Grades K-12)

Through study and discussion of pieces from our American and Contemporary collections, students can explore the rich contributions African American artists have made to the history of art and culture.

VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies) (Grades K-12)

Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a facilitated discussion method used to encourage careful looking, critical thinking, vocabulary development, and acceptance of multiple perspectives. The VTS tour focuses on a small number of carefully chosen works of art that cover various media, cultures and time periods. Led by a docent, students will hold in-depth group discussions that share ideas and explore artwork in a new way. For more information on this tour and VTS, contact the Senior Coordinator of Teacher and School Programs.

Special Exhibition (Grades K-12)

Twice a year the IMA hosts special exhibitions showcasing a variety of art from around the world and throughout history. From ancient artwork on its first trip outside its native land, to contemporary artists on the forefront of the art world, the IMA hosts these temporary shows as a way to highlight special collections and unique ideas. School groups can receive a guided tour of the current exhibition.

Image shown: Headdress Frontlet, 1840-1870, Coastal? Tsimshian, Northern British Columbia, Thaw Collection, Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown, New York, T1077, Photography by John Bigelow Taylor. Art of the American Indians: The Thaw Collection closes on February 12, 2012.

The next special exhibition, Snapshot: Painters and Photography, Bonnard to Vuillard, opens June 8, 2012.

Self-Guided Tours

School groups interested in structuring their own exploration of the IMA can schedule a self-guided tour of the galleries, grounds and/or special exhibitions.