Newfields at 140: What’s Past is Prologue

Newfields has a long history of forward thinking. We are grounded in the values of our founders, a group of Indianapolis citizens, led by educator and activist May Wright Sewall. These values shape what we do today and will continue to in the future.

Newfields at 140: What’s Past is Prologue celebrates 140 years of commitment to education, equality, social reform, and art and culture in Indianapolis. What’s Past is Prologue uses the archives to take guests on a journey from our very beginning in 1883 as The Art Association of Indianapolis, through multiple moves, and eventually to 1970 and our permanent home here at Newfields.

Understand key figures, especially women, through artifacts, portraiture, interactive timelines, and much more. Share your personal memories and engage with historical moments.

Newfields was founded as Indianapolis’ art museum and remains that today, as well as so much more. Join us on our 140th celebration journey as we look back at the monumental 140 years of history and help us flourish for generations to come.