opinion

Letter: Indianapolis Museum of Art has abandoned its neighbors

My family and I were astonished to learn on a recent day trip to Indy that what previously had been a beautiful public “green space,” the grounds and gardens situated between the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Lilly House, was now only accessible to museum members and those paying the IMA’s hefty admission fees. It is also being guarded by security guards.

Not surprisingly, what once was a lively and socially diverse spot, where local families — including some from adjacent low income neighborhoods — mingled with museum visitors, was vacated. The adjacent Lilly Nursery was also empty. Those working there told us in confidence that their business has been devastated.

The IMA leadership’s incredibly shortsighted decision has transformed one of Indy’s great shared public spots into what now has the feel of an exclusive and rather boring elite country club.

A longtime IMA member, I will not be renewing my membership this fall. Previously, I gladly contributed to the IMA because it provided a great locale open to all Hoosiers, and not just upper middle-class people who disproportionately frequent its exhibits. By effectively locking its neighbors out, the IMA has abandoned the values that once made it a great institution “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

William E. Scheuerman, Bloomington