Campus Improvements

In 2017, Newfields developed a comprehensive 30-year Master Plan laying out an inspiring vision for the campus and our future. The plan includes a series of projects designed to capitalize on Newfields unique constellation of assets and create unforgettable, curated experiences in art and nature to enrich the lives of our guests.

It calls for a campus that is: 

• Connected 

• Accessible 

• Sustainable 

• Hospitality-focused 

• Life-enriching, with meaningful, delightful experiences at every turn 

NEW CONSTRUCTION:

GLICK FOUNTAIN

OPENING FALL 2024

Renovations have already begun on the fountain on the Allée in front of Lilly House, one of the most iconic views in The Garden.  We are upgrading and reimagining the fountain with the latest and most efficient technology, allowing us to program it to recreate the effects of historic fountain jets that have graced the space over the last century, while also dazzling our guests with delightful dancing displays, programmed to music.  The project will include a beautiful, accessible path connecting the recently revitalized Katharine B. Sutphin and Northeast Border Gardens. This tranquil spot is just steps away from the Beer Garden at Garden Terrace and will offer additional seating for guests to linger and enjoy the show.  This one-of-kind garden project is the result of a generous gift from the Glick Philanthropies and David and Jackie Barrett. 

Flower & Vegetable Garden

PHASE 1 OPENING SPRING 2026

The new cut flower and vegetable garden aims to reimagine and restore the heart of The Garden by recreating one of the most significant aspects of Oldfields as a self-sustaining country estate. This project includes removing the paved parking lot surrounding the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse and replacing it with productive garden beds reminiscent of the original estate. Horticulturist Marian Keith will oversee the strategic planting and maintenance of the garden, which will be used for onsite flower arrangements, small culinary projects, and more. Harvesting an abundance of food will also positively impact community organizations combatting food insecurity.  Phase 2 of this project will include a new flexible use pavilion space for education and public programs, as well as restrooms and a culinary outpost to improve guest experience as they linger in The Garden. 

ONGOING MAINTENANCE:

Fun fact: The Krannert Pavilion, the building housing the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, was first built in 1969. With 50+ years of exceptional art and nature under our belt here, we’re refreshing with some routine maintenance. Thank you for helping us keep these spaces sustainable and suitable for our next 50+ years. 

Our Parking Garage and Café are also being updated with new and improved cellular service, enhancing safety and response time. You’ll soon be able to connect with us both in person, and on your cell phone. 

 Watch this space for more information about these and other exciting campus improvements in the works. 

Give Now

To learn more please contact Director of Individual Philanthropy Michael Skolnick at mskolnick@discovernewfields.org. 

Several exciting projects have been completed over the past six years, moving toward this vision:

• The Perimeter Path, providing safe passage for pedestrians and bicyclists along Michigan Road and 38th Street, which connects to the Central Canal Tow Path and The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park 

• Erosion mitigation and restoration of the trail around the lake at The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park 

• The addition of new reinforced grass parking areas on the main campus allowing us to serve hundreds more guests for festivals and events  

• A brand-new parking lot in The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, designed with the protection of water quality as a key goal. In addition to addressing sustainability and water quality, the new parking lot design adds 82 parking spaces, four of them ADA-compliant.

• An upgraded Garden Terrace event and meeting facility and new Beer Garden  

• The Wild Birds Unlimited Native Pollinator Meadow in The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park — now in its fourth year as a sanctuary for native plants and pollinators. It's Newfields' greatest effort to date to improve biodiversity and support conservation of native species 

• Newly designed paths through the Katharine B. Sutphin Border Garden and the Northeast Border Garden — creating ADA accessible walkways and increased areas for rest, inviting more guests to explore and experience the restorative properties associated with exposure to nature 

• Upgrades and updates to the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse and Gene and Rosemary Tanner Orchard 

• Research and development projects designed to reimagine the installation of the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s permanent collection in new global, thematic displays 

• Three new outdoor sculptures unveiled on June 9, 2024 in Home Again, the inaugural exhibition in the brand new Hawryluk Sculpture Green in The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park 

Image Credits: 

Rendering of the Glick Fountain. Courtesy Rundell Ernstberger Associates.  

View of the renovated Katharine B. Sutphin Border Garden.

Rendering of the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse. Courtesy of RAS Landscape Architects. ​ 

Krannert Pavilion under construction. Photograph by Robert Lavelle, August 8, 1969.