The Ruth Lilly Theater, seen during the 2024 Community Art and Altar Exhibit, is being renovated and will reopen as an art space, the Ruth Lilly Creative Commons.
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Exciting improvements to the Eiteljorg are under way. The museum is renovating its smaller indoor auditorium, the Ruth Lilly Theater, into a community art space — renamed as the Ruth Lilly Creative Commons.

The theater hosts a few annual programs — such as several artists’ booths during Indian Market and Festival each June, and the Community Art and Altar Exhibit each fall — and will continue to do so.

Through the museum’s community engagement efforts, local residents and groups expressed their need for a gallery space to showcase the work of local artists. Reactivating the auditorium for more frequent use achieves two strategic plan goals: strengthening authentic partnerships and maximizing museum spaces.

The Lilly Theater project includes demolishing the old stage, renovating the ceiling, replacing the carpet, adding a wire hanging system onto which 2D art such as paintings can be mounted, and installing new light fixtures.

With design by Browning Day and construction by The Hagerman Group, the renovation is funded in part by the Margot L. Eccles Arts & Culture Fund, a Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) fund, and the Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr., Memorial Foundation.

Work is scheduled to conclude in the spring. An exhibition of paintings by the Watercolor Society of Indiana is the first in a series of events spotlighting works by local artists. When in use for such exhibits, the gallery space will have free admission.

MAY 10-JUNE 15
Watercolor Society of Indiana Annual Membership Exhibit
The Ruth Lilly Theater is being renovated into a gallery space, the Ruth Lilly Creative Commons, to showcase the works of local artists. The inaugural exhibition of paintings there is organized by the Watercolor Society of Indiana. Admission to the community gallery space is free during times when local art is on view.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2025 issue of Storyteller magazine.