The Top Art Galleries In Bloomington Indiana

Bloomington is one of the top cities in Indiana, offering plenty of downtown attractions, from local shops and eateries to museums and galleries. In fact, the size of the art scene in Bloomington is impressive, with help from nearby Indiana University. Art lovers and educators should be sure to check out these seven top art galleries in this Midwestern city.

1. Eskenazi Museum of Art

Art Gallery

Formally known as the Indiana University of Art, this campus art museum is a prime spot for taking in new, up-and-coming artists’ works. This gallery features three floors of art and sculptures, with both permanent and rotating exhibits, and a total of 45,000 objects to uncover. They also offer online catalogs and collections of art for visitors to peruse. While the museum is currently closed for renovation, it is providing walking art tours around campus.

2. Grunwald Gallery of Art

Art Gallery, Museum

This art gallery also sits on the campus of Indiana University-Bloomington and is the home of contemporary artworks created by IU students, as well as professionals. The artwork here can be standard paintings, drawings, and sketches, as well as sculptures and interactive works of art. Exhibits are completely free to browse and are open to the public.

3. The Venue Fine Arts & Gallery

Art Gallery

Gallery Interior | © Courtesy of The Venue of Fine Arts & Gifts

Nestled inside of a charming Victorian-style home in downtown Bloomington, this fine arts gallery offers five different and distinct showrooms. Visitors will find a variety of work from local talent inside, from pottery and ceramics to sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. Some artists’ works can even be viewed online prior to visiting the space in person. There’s also a selection of art available for purchase.

5. Gallery North on the Square

Art Gallery

This funky and slightly eccentric art gallery is run by local artists and aims to display a wide variety of local art, in many different mediums. This tiny studio is a real treat for art lovers and lies slightly north of the downtown area. It’s a must-visit if you’re a true art aficionado. Their hours vary greatly, so be sure to call first.

6. Volta Glass Studio

Art Gallery

Volta Glass Gallery | © Courtesy of Volta Glass Studio (Ryan Hoffman)

Located perfectly along the B-Line Trail in downtown Bloomington and owned by glassblowing artist Ryan Hoffman (of Huffy Glass), Volta Glass Studio features a variety of glass art from over 20 different artists. While exploring the gallery and studio, visitors will find barware, home décor, abstract pieces, jewelry, smokeware, and other unique treasures. Art lovers can also sign up for educational classes online.

7. By Hand Gallery

Art Gallery

This locally owned, co-op gallery has been serving the Bloomington community for over 30 years. By Hand Gallery has 13 artisan members and also sells artwork for over 70 additional artists. This art venue showcases a variety of art mediums, from carvings and mosaics to ceramics and photography. Mixed media and jewelry can also be found in this eclectic, little studio.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.