INDIANAPOLIS.- The Indianapolis Museum of Art will close on January 3, officials announced today, to prepare for the Museum’s re-opening, which begins May 6, 2005 and continues through 2006.

“These four months of ‘down time’ will allow us to complete this important $74-million expansion project,” said Larry O’Connor, IMA interim director and CEO. “We appreciate the public’s support and patience as we work to make the IMA one of the premier art museums in the United States,” he added.

The building project is one aspect of a larger IMA expansion initiative currently underway that includes the creation of the 100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, the recently completed restoration of Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens and the enhancement of the grounds. The initiative also has led to major additions to the IMA’s collections and will significantly increase its art acquisition and operating endowments.

Visitors can still tour the Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens, the IMA’s historic house museum and 26-acre estate, during the four months the Museum is closed. Lilly House will be open Wednesday through Sunday.

IMA Expansion - The IMA has embarked on a comprehensive expansion project that will create diverse new interior and exterior spaces in which to present its nationally recognized collections, and will enhance the IMA’s public programming and outreach. Plans include the creation of three new Museum wings, 50 percent more gallery space, an outdoor garden court, expanded educational and family facilities, and new visitor amenities.

The building project is one aspect of a larger expansion initiative currently underway at the IMA. This includes the development of the 100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, the completed restoration of Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens and the enhancement of the IMA’s grounds. The initiative has also led to major additions to the IMA’s collections and will significantly increase its art acquisition and operating endowments.