Interactive exhibit invites the public to experience art

The Lume at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields opened a new exhibit this summer.

‘“Monet & Friends Alive’ ” highlights the work of impressionist artist Oscar-Claude Monet as well as 11 other impressionist painters within his inner circle.

Vice President of Marketing & External Affairs Jonathan Berger said the Lume provides a unique experience to visitors.

“You know, introducing Van Gogh last year we introduced so many people to Newfields and to Van Gogh and we're doing the same thing with Monet.,” Berger said. “I think that, you know, some of our exit surveys have shown that a lot of these people haven't even been to Newfields, Berger said.”

There exhibition  is anincludes an interpretation room where visitors can dive deeper  into the life of Monet and the impressionists.  The final gallery also includes art from the museum’s permanent collection.

Berger said the Lume is a way to demystify the art museum especially for people that may be intimidated about coming to an art museum.

“It's like, oh, I don't know, I don't know a lot about art. I'm curious about art. But where do I start? And the Lume really is that introduction where you can, you can start, and you can go through and then when you get to that final gallery, and you know that these are the most important pieces that you walk away with if you're interested in Monet and the impressionists,” Berger said.

Nearly 250,000 people visited Newfields in 2021.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.