The Haan Museum of Indiana Art — Attraction in Lafayette

My girlfriend and I visited the Haan Museum of Indiana Art on Saturday, 3 August. I’d read a bit about the museum online and thought it would be nice to visit. The building was originally at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and was the Connecticut State Building before moving to Missouri and finally Indiana after the fair’s conclusion. Owners Bob and Ellie Haan purchased the building in 1984, restored it, and filled it with art by Indiana artists. The collection is lovely and encompasses several different styles. The antique furniture is also particularly interesting, especially the clocks and even Thaddeus Stevens’ desk from the House of Representatives. The museum currently has a ceramics exhibit that will thrill fans of earthenware as it showcases some amazing creativity in what artists can do with the medium. The volunteer docent working on 3 August was wonderful, greeting everybody who entered and giving us a lovely introduction to the building and its collections in a way that helped us feel connected to the space both artistically and historically. The tour is self-guided and we took our time roaming. She was also at hand anytime we spotted a work of art or object that caught our attention, ready to give us the story of those items. I cannot praise her enough and feel bad that her name escapes me at the moment, but her stories and the clear joy she has for the space and collections made it a wonderful visit. After we toured the inside, my girlfriend and I had a nice walk in the outdoor sculpture garden. A great spot...

We visited the Haan mansion and museum today while I was visiting my sister in Lafayette. We found it online when looking for local attractions and weren't sure what to expect. It was easy to find and park, and we were greeted at the door by Mr. Haan himself (the museum employs several employees but he works there as well giving tours). He led us and two other visitors around the museum, sharing the beautiful collection of Indiana artwork and American furniture (particularly beautiful pieces in the Renaissance Revival style) with personal anecdotes and plenty of points of interest. The special exhibition was of work by Ohio/Indiana artist Mr. Willis Bing Davis, and it was interesting and well-curated, punctuated by displays of poetry that inspired the artist.

We are looking forward to visiting this beautiful house again in the spring to see the brand new sculpture garden.

Both the beautiful collection and the architecture of the home itself make this a worthwhile stop for an afternoon in...

This is one of the most unique and beautiful collections of art created by artists from a specific part of the country that I have ever seen. The museum was originally built in 1904 as the Connecticut Pavilion at the Worlds Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. It was purchased and moved and rebuilt in Lafayette, Indiana then was a private residence for many years and is now a museum. The art displays are the works of Indiana artists from the mid 1800"s until the present day. It includes many oil paintings by very famous artists as well as ceramic and other sculptures. There are two incredible and functioning large music boxes. All of the beautiful furniture is American. It is an historical...