Indianapolis Artsgarden Celebrates 30 Years

Indy Arts Council invites the community to join in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Indianapolis Artsgarden, a landmark destination where arts and culture come together in the heart of downtown. As part of the 30th anniversary, the Artsgarden will host a series of free exhibitions and live performances, from now until the end of the year, featuring local artists across music, dance, and visual arts. Upcoming events, including the Art & Soul Sundays series and an exhibition curated by Arte Mexicano en Indiana, can be found at indyarts.org/artsgarden.

Perched above the intersection of Washington and Illinois Streets, the Artsgarden has stood for three decades as an iconic glass and steel structure and an engaging cultural hub. Lilly Endowment Inc. provided a $12M grant for the creation of the Artsgarden. 

Designed by acclaimed Indianapolis architect Walter S. Blackburn, whose portfolio also includes the Hoosier Dome, Grace Apostolic Church, and the Indiana Convention Center expansion, the Artsgarden was originally built as part of Circle Centre Mall in 1995. Since then, it has hosted thousands of performances, exhibitions, and community events, welcoming visitors to experience the arts in a memorable setting.

“Walter Blackburn envisioned a space that would connect people—physically, between downtown landmarks, and culturally, through the arts,” said Judith B. Thomas, President & CEO at Indy Arts Council. “Thirty years later, the Artsgarden continues to honor that vision as one of Indianapolis’ most recognizable venues for creativity.”

In addition to public programming, the Artsgarden offers rental opportunities for private events. With its dramatic architecture and central location, it is one of downtown Indianapolis’ most unique venues for weddings, receptions, and corporate gatherings.

Photo By Gabrielle Minion