Events

A letter from Kathryn Haigh, Eiteljorg President and CEO: 

Dear Readers:

What an exciting time to be part of the Eiteljorg Museum.

As I recently marked my third anniversary as Eiteljorg President and CEO, I’ve been reflecting on how much we’ve accomplished together and how much possibility lies ahead. Thanks to your support, we are in the midst of shaping a bold and thoughtful vision for the museum’s future, one that will guide us over the next five, 10, 15 and even 20 years.

We have just completed an extensive period of listening and learning. Our stakeholder interviews for the museum’s facilities master plan are wrapping up, and our audience segmentation study has been completed. Together, these efforts give us a clearer understanding of who we are serving today and who we have the opportunity to welcome in the future. With these insights in hand, we are now poised to chart a course that ensures the Eiteljorg remains relevant, welcoming, and inspiring for generations to come.

One of the first steps in this journey will be a rebrand of the museum. This is an opportunity to more clearly communicate who we are and to broaden awareness so that more people can discover all the Eiteljorg has to offer. At its heart, this work is about connection: helping more individuals see themselves reflected in our spaces, our stories, and our programs.

You’ll begin to see tangible changes in the coming months. We are thrilled to work with a new artist to create a mural throughout parts of the main entrance this summer. This installation will set the tone for a more inclusive and inviting arrival experience, one that signals immediately all are welcome here.

That sense of welcome is central to our facilities master plan. While many admire the museum’s distinctive archi­tecture which is truly one of a kind in Indianapolis, we also recognize it can feel imposing or unfamiliar to some. Our goal is to remove those barriers, both physical and psycholog­ical, and to ensure that every visitor feels comfortable and inspired from the moment they arrive.

To that end, our architectural partners have carefully observed how visitors move through our spaces, inside and out. Their insights are helping us identify opportunities to improve navigation, accessi­bility, and the overall visitor experience. Accessibility is not just a goal, it is our responsi­bility. And alongside it, we are addressing another critical challenge facing museums everywhere: relevance.

How do we help our com­munity connect meaningfully with the art of the American West and Indigenous peoples of North America? The answer begins with belonging. People must feel welcomed, valued and represented. When visitors see their stories, cultures and perspectives reflected in our galleries and programs, deeper engagement naturally follows.

The emerging master plan reflects this philosophy. It envisions integrated and flexible spaces, a stronger foundation for financial sustainability, a vibrant and collaborative team culture, and authentic partnerships that extend our reach and impact. Most importantly, it prioritizes an enhanced visitor experience at every level.

Some of the ideas already taking shape include a re­imagined entry experience, expanded food and beverage offerings, and the creation of a new gallery on the second floor. Each of these elements is designed to make the museum more inviting, more dynamic and more connected to the needs and interests of our community.

As members, your voice is an essential part of this process. You are not only supporters of the museum — you are partners in its future. Which of these ideas resonate most with you? What excites you? What would make your experience here even more meaningful?

We look forward to continuing this journey together and sharing more as our plans evolve. The future of the Eiteljorg is bright, and I am grateful to have you alongside us as we shape what comes next.

Kathryn Haigh
President and CEO

 

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the June 2026 print edition of Storyteller magazine. 

 

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