LOU’S VIEWS: Rickey’s sculptures, Phoenix’s ‘Zoomerville’ advance Indy’s art reputation
This week, art in the wind and an original musical.
Attractions
Articles
Central Canal needs green space
The Indiana War Memorials Commission’s proposal to build a USS Indianapolis submarine memorial on the east bank of the Canal just north of the existing
USS Indianapolis (cruiser) National Memorial would unwisely occupy nearly the last piece of green space on the Canal.
Approach Xscape with an open mind
I’ll go to the new Xscape arcade with a more open mind, thanks to Lou Harry’s Jan. 26 piece about it.
20-story ‘Aerophare’ at White River park would change skyline
If "Aerophare" gets off the ground, downtown visitors will literally be riding up and down in a balloon, within
a 20-story, helical tower in White River State Park.
Visit Museum of Art for ‘China’s Ming Dynasty Exhibit,’ and the Phoenix Theatre for political one acts
This week, low-key dynasty dynamics at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and a mismatched couple at the Phoenix Theatre.
Downtown development great for citizens, visitors
The development of shopping, restaurants, museums, public arts and hotels downtown in the past 25 years has made Indianapolis
a vibrant, more interesting place to live—and to visit.
Conner Prairie balloon ride part of 10-year strategy
Conner Prairie wants to pay homage to early aviator John Wise with a balloon ride that recalls his August
1859 trip from Lafayette at the helm of a gas-filled balloon bound for New York City with the nation’s first
air-mail delivery. An ill wind blew him Wisecourse, ending his flight in Crawfordsville, but he still earned
a place in history–and a U.S. Postal Service-issued stamp honoring his pioneering effort.
IMA Art & Nature Park outdoor exhibits will change regularly
Already draped in an ever-changing natural backdrop, the site for the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Art & Nature Park will
come to life in 2009 through eight pieces of art commissioned for the setting. But unlike traditional sculpture parks that
feature permanent artwork, the IMA’s $25 million outdoor gallery will change regularly.
Central Canal might get floating stage
A floating stage for concerts and a submarine memorial are in the works for Indianapolis’ Central Canal, adding to the downtown
waterway’s growing base of attractions. Efforts to develop a one-acre site at the heart of the canal, meanwhile, remain stalled.
Black history museum loses site, may land on Indiana Ave.
The clock is running out on plans to build the Indiana Museum of African American History in White River State Park, but the
ambitious project may find a new home on nearby Indiana Avenue. Less than two weeks before the museum’s option on a two-acre
parcel of park land expires, backers were talking with IUPUI about locating the museum on unspecified university-owned land
along Indiana Avenue.
$24M makeover readies Historical Society for new era
Indianapolis Historical Society leaders are taking the next step in the evolution of the archival-research-based group. The
group’s 8-year-old facility, the Indiana History Center, is getting a Disneyesque makeover, as is its programs.
Payne paved way for Cultural Trail project
If the idea of building a $50 million, 7-1/2-mile pedestrian and biking trail through the streets of downtown Indianapolis
is indeed crazy, Brian Payne might be considered the Indianapolis Cultural trail’s mad scientist. His leadership, persistence
and passion for the project are the key reasons the first leg of the trail is due to open this month along Alabama Street.
Collector betting comic-book heroes draw crowds to downtown museum
A museum in the
works for downtown would feature one of the world’s largest collections of super hero memorabilia, including a Batmobile and
costumes worn by every actor who has played Superman on TV or in the movies.
Downtown ice rink in the works
Ice skating on Monument Circle ended in the mid-1980s after damage from the weight of ice was discovered in the fountain basin.
But outdoor skating downtown might return. White River State Park plans to build a $1.5 million Olympic-size rink complete
with sound and light equipment and a skate-rental stand.
Circle Truss proposed as gateway landmark
The Arch welcomes visitors to St. Louis. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge ushers in the masses. And soon the Circle Gateway
Truss could greet travelers entering downtown Indianapolis.