Indiana University Foundation

The IU Art Museum Shares Its Gifts

The IU Art Museum houses more than 40,000 pieces of art, and the majority are gifts.

That this cultural treasure—shared by the university, Bloomington, and the state—benefits from such generosity is impressive.

But perhaps it’s not so surprising. “Donors know that their gifts will benefit student learning as well as the general public,” says Paul Sturm, the museum’s associate director for development.

The term “student,” in this case, includes not just art majors but any curious member of the Bloomington community, not to mention the kindergarten-through-high-school variety who visit the museum on field trips from throughout the region.

“Sharing our collection with the wider community is a significant component of what we do,” Sturm adds.

Moreover, the museum is a cornucopia of sculptures, multimedia, paintings, prints, coins, jewelry, textiles, and more. Whether it’s a European master or a Hoosier master, the museum embraces art from all countries, all movements, and all time periods.

“We have art donated by people from all walks of life with different interests,” Sturm says of the benefactors. “As an instructional art museum, we really don’t restrict ourselves.”

If you would like to support the IU Art Musuem, contact Paul Sturm at 812-855-1031, or psturm@indiana.edu.

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