First Thursday

Experience all that Newfields has to offer on the first Thursday of every month. Enjoy the Indianapolis Museum of Art and The Garden, live musical performances, and open studio hours and gallery conversations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime Member, First Thursdays are the perfect opportunity to discover something new and have an exceptional experience with art and nature. 

On this day, general admission is flexible—you choose how much (or how little) to pay. Donations support programs like First Thursday and the care of our art collection and garden, as well as education programs, community engagement initiatives, and more. 

September 3 Schedule

11 AM–3 PM | Garden Exploration Cart | The Garden
11:30 AM–Noon | Artful Conversation with Newfields Libarian Marina Ito and Director of Library & Archives Anastasia Karel
11:30 AM | Curated Conversation with Sam Shepherd, the Stephen Sprouse Archives Fellow | Stout Reference Library
Noon–4 PM | Open Studio | Studios 1 & 2 | Floor 1
1–1:30 PM | Docent-led Tour | Meet at the top of the escalator in Efroymson Entrance Pavilion | Floor 2
1–1:30 PM | Nature Story Time | Stout Reference Library | Floor 1
1–4 PM | Open Print Study | Print Study Room, Floor 1
1–5 PM | Stout Reference Library open | Floor 1
2–4 PM | Stephen Sprouse inspired origami | Stout Reference Library
2:30–3 PM | Docent-led Museum Tour | Meet at the top of the escalator in Efroymson Entrance Pavilion | Floor 2
2–4 PM | Know Your Art with Museum Conservation | Floor 3 Balcony
2–3 PM | Heirloom Tree Tour in The Garden | Garden Entry Pavilion
4–5 PM | Fairbanks Park Tour | The Garden Entry Pavilion
6–6:30 PM | Docent-led Tour | Meet at the top of the escalator in Efroymson Entrance Pavilion | Floor 2
6–7 PM | Midtown Madmen Performance | The Beer Garden