How to Explore Native Art at Eiteljorg Museum Indianapolis

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis stands as one of the nation’s most respected institutions dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of Native American art, culture, and history. Founded in 1989, the museum uniquely bridges the artistic traditions of Indigenous peoples with the visual narratives of the American West, offering visitors an immersive and deeply respectful experience. For those seeking to explore Native art beyond surface-level observation, the Eiteljorg provides a rich, layered environment where history, storytelling, and contemporary expression converge. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a scholar, an art enthusiast, or a member of a Native community, understanding how to navigate and engage with the museum’s collections can transform a simple visit into a meaningful cultural journey. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to exploring Native art at the Eiteljorg Museum, equipping you with the knowledge, tools, and context to appreciate the depth and diversity of Indigenous artistic traditions.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit with Purpose

Before arriving at the Eiteljorg Museum, take time to define your intent. Are you seeking to understand historical beadwork? Are you interested in contemporary Native artists challenging colonial narratives? Do you want to learn about ceremonial objects or the evolution of pottery styles? Your purpose will shape how you engage with the exhibits. Begin by visiting the museum’s official website to review current and permanent exhibitions. Note special events, artist talks, or guided tours scheduled during your planned visit. Many exhibitions rotate seasonally, and planning ahead ensures you don’t miss curated themes such as “Native Fashion Now” or “Voices of the Southwest.”

Consider the timing of your visit. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded, allowing for quieter contemplation of artworks. Weekends may offer more interactive programming, including live demonstrations by Native artisans. If you’re visiting with a group, inquire about private tours or educational packages designed for schools, universities, or cultural organizations. The museum’s website offers downloadable visitor guides and printable maps that help you prioritize galleries based on your interests.

2. Begin at the Main Lobby and Orientation Area

Your exploration begins the moment you enter the museum. The main lobby features a large-scale installation that often includes a contemporary Native artwork or a significant historical piece designed to set the tone for your visit. Take a moment here to observe the materials, scale, and context. Is it a sculpture? A textile? A mixed-media piece? Note how the lighting, placement, and surrounding architecture contribute to its impact.

Adjacent to the lobby is the orientation area, which includes an introductory video and interpretive panels. This section is essential—it provides cultural grounding. The video typically features Native voices speaking about identity, heritage, and the role of art in their communities. Pay close attention to the languages spoken, the regions referenced, and the themes of resilience and continuity. These narratives are not background noise; they are the foundation for understanding every object you’ll encounter.

3. Navigate the Permanent Collection: Native American Art

The Eiteljorg’s permanent collection is organized thematically and geographically, reflecting the diversity of Native nations across North America. Begin with the “Native American Art” galleries, which span from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces.

Start in the Northeast section, where you’ll find intricate wampum belts, quillwork, and birchbark containers from Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Algonquian peoples. Notice the precision of the beadwork and the symbolic patterns—each design carries meaning tied to clan identity, spiritual beliefs, or historical events. Look for labels that cite the artist or community when known. Many pieces are attributed to anonymous makers due to colonial erasure, but the museum often includes contextual notes on cultural practices that informed their creation.

Move to the Southwest gallery, where you’ll encounter Hopi kachina dolls, Navajo textiles, and Pueblo pottery. The kachinas are not mere figurines—they are sacred representations of spiritual beings, used in ceremonial contexts. The museum provides detailed explanations about their ritual use, emphasizing that these are not souvenirs but living cultural expressions. Navajo rugs, especially those from the “Ganado Red” and “Two Grey Hills” traditions, showcase complex weaving techniques passed down through generations. Pay attention to the color palettes and geometric motifs; they often reflect landscape, migration stories, or clan symbols.

In the Plains gallery, examine beadwork on buckskin garments, feathered headdresses, and hide paintings. These objects were often created for ceremonies, warfare, or rites of passage. The museum’s labeling now frequently includes Native curatorial input, correcting outdated or inaccurate terminology used in earlier decades. For example, you may see “war bonnet” replaced with “ceremonial headdress” and accompanied by a note explaining its significance to specific nations like the Lakota or Cheyenne.

4. Explore the Western Art Wing

The Western Art wing complements the Native collection by presenting 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and sculptures by non-Native artists who depicted Indigenous peoples and the American frontier. While these works are historically significant, they often reflect romanticized or stereotypical views. The Eiteljorg intentionally juxtaposes these pieces with Native-made artworks to encourage critical dialogue.

Look for side-by-side comparisons: a 19th-century oil painting of a “noble savage” next to a contemporary Native photograph reclaiming identity. The museum’s interpretive text encourages visitors to question perspective, authorship, and representation. Ask yourself: Who is telling this story? Whose voice is missing? This comparative approach is central to the museum’s mission and offers a rare opportunity to deconstruct colonial narratives through art.

5. Engage with Contemporary Native Art

One of the Eiteljorg’s most powerful offerings is its commitment to showcasing living Native artists. The museum regularly features solo and group exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous creators working in painting, sculpture, digital media, fashion, and installation art. These artists are not relics of the past—they are innovators responding to modern issues such as environmental justice, language revitalization, and sovereignty.

Exhibits like “Indigenous Futurisms” or “Reclaiming the Narrative” often include video installations, augmented reality elements, or interactive digital maps. Don’t overlook these pieces—they are vital to understanding how Native identity is evolving. For example, a 2023 exhibition featured a video work by a Diné (Navajo) artist who used drone footage of sacred sites alongside spoken word poetry in the Navajo language. The museum provided QR codes linking to audio translations and interviews with the artist, deepening the viewer’s connection.

Take time to read the artist statements. These are often written in the artist’s own voice and offer insight into their creative process, cultural influences, and motivations. Many artists use their work to heal, educate, or protest. Recognizing this transforms your experience from passive viewing to active listening.

6. Participate in Live Demonstrations and Workshops

The Eiteljorg regularly hosts live demonstrations by Native artisans. These may include pottery throwing, beadwork sewing, basket weaving, or traditional dance performances. These events are not theatrical displays—they are acts of cultural transmission. Watch how the artist moves, speaks, and interacts with materials. Notice the tools used—many are handmade or passed down. Ask respectful questions if the artist invites interaction.

Workshops are often offered on weekends or during school breaks. These hands-on experiences allow visitors to try traditional techniques under the guidance of Native instructors. While you won’t master the craft in one session, the act of engaging physically with the material fosters deeper respect. Registration is usually required, so check the calendar in advance.

7. Utilize Audio Guides and Digital Resources

The museum offers a free audio guide accessible via smartphone. Download the Eiteljorg app or use the provided headphones at the front desk. The audio tour features commentary from Native curators, historians, and artists, offering layered perspectives that go beyond standard plaque text. Each stop includes stories of provenance, community context, and personal memory.

For example, when viewing a 19th-century Lakota ledger drawing, the audio might explain how the artist, a prisoner of war, used pencil and paper provided by soldiers to record memories of buffalo hunts and battles—transforming a tool of oppression into a medium of resistance. These narratives are rarely found in textbooks and are critical to a full understanding of the art.

8. Visit the Native American Art Research Library

Located on the second floor, the museum’s research library is open to the public and contains rare books, oral histories, exhibition catalogs, and archival photographs. While not all materials are digitized, librarians are knowledgeable and can assist with specific inquiries. If you’re researching a particular tribe, artist, or technique, this is an invaluable resource. You can request to view non-circulating materials under supervision.

Many visitors overlook this space, but it holds the scholarly backbone of the museum’s mission. You might find handwritten field notes from early 20th-century ethnographers or unpublished interviews with elders. These materials remind us that Native art cannot be separated from its cultural and political context.

9. Reflect in the Outdoor Garden and Sacred Space

After navigating the galleries, take time to sit in the museum’s outdoor garden. Designed with input from Native consultants, the space includes native plants, a water feature, and a stone circle meant for quiet reflection. A plaque explains the garden’s symbolic elements—such as the four directions, the circle of life, and the importance of water in Indigenous cosmologies.

This area is not merely decorative; it is a sacred space. Visitors are asked to remain respectful: no loud conversations, no photography, and no sitting on the stones. Use this time to process what you’ve seen. Journaling is encouraged. Ask yourself: What surprised me? What challenged my assumptions? What do I want to learn more about?

10. Support Native Communities Beyond the Museum

True engagement doesn’t end when you leave the museum. The Eiteljorg often partners with Native-owned businesses, galleries, and cooperatives. Visit the museum shop, which exclusively sells items created by Indigenous artists and artisans. Purchasing directly from these sources ensures economic support flows back to the communities.

Look for labels indicating “Artist-Owned” or “Community Cooperative.” Items may include jewelry, textiles, ceramics, books, and music. Avoid mass-produced “Native-inspired” souvenirs sold elsewhere; the Eiteljorg’s shop upholds ethical standards. Consider making a donation to the museum’s Native Artist Endowment Fund, which supports emerging creators through grants and residencies.

Best Practices

Approach with Humility and Respect

Native art is not merely aesthetic—it is deeply spiritual, historical, and political. Many objects were created for ceremonies, rites of passage, or communal survival. Even when displayed in a museum, they retain cultural significance. Avoid treating them as exotic curiosities. Refrain from touching objects, even if they appear fragile or inviting. Never use flash photography in galleries unless explicitly permitted.

Listen to Native Voices First

When reading labels or listening to audio guides, prioritize the words of Native curators, artists, and community members. Colonial institutions have historically spoken for Indigenous peoples—today’s museums are working to reverse that. The Eiteljorg’s shift toward Native-led curation is groundbreaking. Trust the narratives presented by the communities themselves, not external interpretations.

Question Representation and Context

Ask: Who selected this object? Why is it displayed here? Is it being presented as a relic or a living tradition? Are the artists named? Is their community acknowledged? These questions help you recognize whether the museum is perpetuating outdated stereotypes or actively decolonizing its narrative.

Use Correct Terminology

Use specific tribal names when possible: “Navajo” instead of “Apache,” “Ojibwe” instead of “Chippewa.” Avoid outdated terms like “Indian,” “tribe,” or “primitive.” Many Native communities prefer “Nation,” “people,” or “community.” When in doubt, follow the museum’s lead—it updates its language regularly based on community feedback.

Be Mindful of Sacred Objects

Some items, such as ceremonial masks, prayer bundles, or human remains, may be displayed under special conditions due to legal and ethical guidelines like NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act). If you encounter such objects, observe silently. Do not photograph them unless permitted. Their presence is not for spectacle but for remembrance and reconciliation.

Engage with the Whole Story

Native art is not confined to the past. Contemporary Native artists are creating work that addresses climate change, digital identity, gender fluidity, and political activism. Avoid the trap of seeing Native culture as frozen in time. The Eiteljorg’s strength lies in its ability to show continuity—how tradition informs innovation.

Bring a Journal

Writing down your thoughts, questions, and emotional responses deepens your experience. You may notice patterns—recurring symbols, shared color palettes, or recurring themes of loss and resilience. These observations can become the foundation for further research or personal reflection.

Visit More Than Once

Art reveals itself over time. A piece you overlooked on your first visit may resonate deeply after reading a related book or hearing a podcast. The Eiteljorg’s exhibitions change, so returning allows you to witness new voices and perspectives. Consider becoming a member to support ongoing access and receive invitations to exclusive events.

Tools and Resources

Museum-Provided Tools

The Eiteljorg Museum offers several digital and physical tools to enhance your visit:

• Free Audio Guide App – Available on iOS and Android, featuring over 50 stops narrated by Native curators and artists.
• Interactive Kiosks – Located throughout the galleries, these allow you to zoom in on high-resolution images of artworks, view 3D scans of pottery, and hear oral histories.
• Printed Gallery Guides – Available at the entrance, these include maps, exhibition highlights, and suggested itineraries based on time and interest.
• Family Activity Packs – Designed for children and caregivers, these include coloring sheets, scavenger hunts, and simple storytelling prompts.

External Digital Resources

Expand your understanding beyond the museum walls with these trusted digital resources:

• Native Land Digital – An interactive map showing Indigenous territories, languages, and treaties. Use it to identify the original nations of the Indianapolis region (Miami, Lenape, and Potawatomi).
• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Online Collections – Searchable database of over 800,000 objects with detailed cultural context.
• Art of the American Indian – A digital archive from the University of Oklahoma featuring historic and contemporary Native art.
• Indigenous Art Code – A global framework for ethical engagement with Indigenous art, developed by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists in Canada.
• Native American Rights Fund (NARF) – Offers educational materials on sovereignty, land rights, and cultural preservation.

Books for Deeper Study

These publications provide scholarly and accessible insights:

• Native American Art in the Twentieth Century by W. Jackson Rushing
• Art of the American Indian Frontier by Richard C. Trexler
• Living the Legacy: Contemporary Native American Artists by Karen Kramer
• Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples by Linda Tuhiwai Smith
• Our People, Our Land, Our Images: International Indigenous Photographers by Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie

Podcasts and Documentaries

Supplement your visit with audio and visual media:

• Native America – PBS documentary series featuring Indigenous storytellers and scientists.
• All My Relations – A podcast exploring Native identity, culture, and politics by Matika Wilbur and Adrienne Keene.
• The Red Nation Podcast – Focused on Indigenous sovereignty and decolonization.
• Art + Culture: Native Artists Speak – A series from the Eiteljorg’s YouTube channel.

Real Examples

Example 1: The “Tribal Threads” Exhibition (2022)

In 2022, the Eiteljorg hosted “Tribal Threads,” a groundbreaking exhibition of contemporary Native textiles. One standout piece was a quilt by artist Teri Greeves (Kiowa), made from vintage beads, ribbon, and denim. The quilt depicted a map of the Southern Plains with beadwork representing buffalo, rivers, and ancestral trails. The accompanying label included Greeves’ statement: “This quilt is not about nostalgia. It’s about memory as resistance. My grandmother taught me to sew while telling stories of displacement. Every stitch is a refusal to be forgotten.”

Visitors who read the label and listened to the audio guide reported a profound emotional response. Many noted how the use of denim—a material associated with American labor and cowboy culture—was subverted to honor Indigenous resilience. This example demonstrates how contemporary Native art reclaims narrative power through material choice and personal storytelling.

Example 2: The “Voices of the Southwest” Audio Tour Stop

On the audio tour, Stop 17 features a 19th-century Hopi polychrome pottery vessel. The standard label once read: “Hopi pottery, circa 1880, collected by ethnographer Jesse Walter Fewkes.” The revised version now reads: “This vessel was made by Nampeyo of Hano, a Hopi-Tewa potter who revived ancient Sikyátki designs. Her work inspired generations of Pueblo potters. Her granddaughter, Fannie Nampeyo, continued this tradition. The vessel was acquired during a time when Native cultural practices were suppressed by federal policies. Today, we honor Nampeyo not as a relic of the past, but as a living force in Native art.”

This shift—from anonymous artifact to named artist with lineage—reflects the museum’s commitment to ethical representation. Visitors who engaged with this revised label often left with a deeper appreciation for the continuity of Indigenous knowledge.

Example 3: The “Reclaiming the Sacred” Installation (2023)

A 2023 installation by Diné artist Lyle Nez featured a large-scale projection of a desert landscape overlaid with the sound of a Navajo prayer chant. Visitors were invited to sit on woven rugs and remove their shoes—a gesture of respect. The piece had no title, only a single line: “Listen to the land.”

There were no plaques, no QR codes, no explanations. The silence and simplicity forced visitors to sit with discomfort, uncertainty, and awe. Many reported tears, silence, or long periods of stillness. This example illustrates how absence can be as powerful as presence in Native art—sometimes, the most profound lesson is to listen without needing to understand immediately.

Example 4: The Museum Shop’s “Artisan Spotlight” Program

Each month, the Eiteljorg shop highlights a different Native artist. In March 2024, they featured a Haudenosaunee beadwork artist from upstate New York who creates modern moccasins using traditional patterns. The shop displayed her story: “I make these for my children so they know their feet belong to the earth, not to the sidewalk.”

A visitor purchased a pair and later emailed the museum to share that her 8-year-old daughter now insists on wearing them every day, saying, “They make me feel like I’m walking with my ancestors.” This anecdote captures the museum’s impact: it doesn’t just display art—it fosters connection across generations.

FAQs

Is photography allowed in the Eiteljorg Museum?

Photography is permitted in most galleries for personal, non-commercial use, but flash and tripods are prohibited. Some sacred or loaned objects may have photography restrictions. Always look for signage or ask a staff member if unsure. Do not photograph other visitors without their consent.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, free guided tours are offered daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Led by museum educators, these tours last approximately 60 minutes and focus on key works in the collection. Private tours for groups of 10 or more can be scheduled in advance. Some tours are themed—such as “Women in Native Art” or “From Tradition to Innovation”—so check the calendar.

Can I bring children to the museum?

Absolutely. The Eiteljorg is family-friendly and offers interactive exhibits, activity packs, and a children’s gallery with tactile objects and storytelling stations. The museum also hosts monthly “Family Days” with hands-on art projects and Native storytelling sessions.

How does the museum ensure ethical representation of Native cultures?

The Eiteljorg works closely with Native advisory councils, including representatives from over 50 tribal nations. These councils review exhibition content, advise on language and imagery, and help determine which objects should be displayed or returned. The museum also follows NAGPRA guidelines and has repatriated hundreds of cultural items to their communities of origin.

Is the museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Audio guides are available with descriptive narration, and large-print guides can be requested. Service animals are welcome. The museum also offers sensory-friendly hours once a month for visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities.

Can I donate Native art to the museum?

The Eiteljorg accepts donations through a formal review process. All proposed donations are evaluated by the museum’s acquisitions committee, which includes Native advisors. The museum prioritizes works with clear provenance and cultural significance. Contact the curatorial department for guidelines and forms.

What should I do if I see a cultural misrepresentation in the exhibits?

The museum welcomes respectful feedback. You can submit comments via the website, email, or in person at the information desk. The museum has a public comment board and regularly revises labels based on community input. Your voice helps ensure the museum remains accountable and evolving.

Conclusion

Exploring Native art at the Eiteljorg Museum Indianapolis is not a passive experience—it is an act of listening, learning, and reimagining. The museum does not simply display objects; it invites you into a living conversation between past and present, between Indigenous knowledge and contemporary expression. By following this guide, you move beyond surface-level observation to engage with art as a form of cultural survival, resistance, and innovation.

The journey begins with preparation, deepens through mindful observation, and transforms through reflection and action. Whether you’re examining centuries-old pottery, listening to a contemporary artist’s spoken word, or purchasing a beadwork necklace from a Native-owned cooperative, each step connects you to a broader narrative—one that challenges colonial myths and honors enduring sovereignty.

As you leave the museum, carry with you not just memories of color, texture, and form, but a commitment to see Native peoples not as subjects of history, but as active, vibrant, and visionary creators shaping the future. The Eiteljorg Museum is more than a collection of artifacts—it is a bridge. And you, the visitor, hold the responsibility to walk across it with respect, curiosity, and courage.