Indianapolis, December 9, 2025
The Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis is set to unveil its expansive new facilities in Spring 2026. This renovation transforms a historical dairy barn into a vibrant 40,000-square-foot space that fosters art, performance, and community engagement. The expansion includes galleries, a performance area, and affordable housing for artists, aiming to invigorate the Garfield Park neighborhood and attract visitors. The museum is part of a broader cultural initiative in Indianapolis, which is seeing significant development and community projects.
Indianapolis
Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis Expansion Set to Open in Spring 2026
The Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMi) is set to open its expanded facilities on May 1, 2026, in the Garfield Park and Bean Creek neighborhoods. This $7 million renovation transforms a 125-year-old former dairy barn and industrial space into a 40,000-square-foot hub for art, performance, food, sound, and creative enterprise. The five-acre campus includes the CAMi main building, the Tube Gallery (formerly Tube Factory art space), and a public green space and art park. The expansion aims to reimagine the museum’s role in the community, attracting both local and global visitors. A public celebration is planned for the museum’s opening in May.
Adaptive Reuse and Community Impact
The adaptive reuse project preserves the historical significance of the site while introducing modern artistic and cultural elements. The campus features six galleries for commissioned exhibitions, a performance and event area, art studios, storefronts for creative enterprises, and a café. Additionally, 18 affordable homes for artists are part of the development, providing long-term and visiting resident artists with stable housing. This initiative aims to revitalize the neighborhood, fostering economic development and community engagement.
Background and Development
Big Car Collaborative, a nonprofit organization, has been instrumental in the transformation of the campus. Since acquiring the property in 2015, Big Car has revitalized the area, turning it from a neglected space into a vibrant cultural hub. The expansion of CAMi is part of a broader effort to enhance the cultural landscape of Indianapolis, offering a diverse range of artistic and cultural experiences to the community.
Additional Cultural Developments in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is experiencing a surge in cultural developments. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art received a $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch an exhibition about Native American tattoo practices, scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027. Additionally, the Indianapolis Artsgarden is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of free exhibitions and live performances featuring local artists across music, dance, and visual arts.
Key Features of the Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | May 1, 2026 |
| Size | 40,000 square feet |
| Facilities | Six galleries, performance and event area, art studios, storefronts for creative enterprises, café |
| Affordable Housing | 18 homes for artists |
| Location | Garfield Park and Bean Creek neighborhoods, Indianapolis |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis expansion opening?
The expansion is set to open on May 1, 2026.
What is the size of the expanded museum?
The expanded museum will cover 40,000 square feet.
What facilities will the new museum include?
The museum will feature six galleries for commissioned exhibitions, a performance and event area, art studios, storefronts for creative enterprises, and a café.
How many affordable homes for artists are part of the development?
The development includes 18 affordable homes for artists.
Who is responsible for the transformation of the campus?
The nonprofit organization Big Car Collaborative has been instrumental in the transformation of the campus.
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