Harrison Center

The Harrison Center for the Arts is a beloved Indianapolis institution that takes a distinctive approach to the arts: rather than simply exhibiting finished work, it's a living hub where artists work, exhibit, and engage with the community under one roof. Housed in a historic building near the Mass Ave cultural district, the Harrison Center gives families a rare chance to see art being made, not just displayed.

The building contains working studios where resident artists create across a range of disciplines — painting, photography, sculpture, and more. On open days and First Friday events, visitors can walk through studio spaces, watch artists at work, and engage in genuine conversations about the creative process. This transparency demystifies art for children and shows them that creativity is an active, daily practice rather than something that only happens in museums.

Gallery exhibitions at the Harrison Center feature contemporary work that often explores social, cultural, and community themes — giving older kids and teens meaningful content to engage with and discuss. Programming includes workshops, community art projects, and events that bring the neighborhood together around shared creative experiences.

First Fridays at the Harrison Center are a neighborhood institution: free, festive, and family-friendly evenings where the building buzzes with activity, music often plays, and new exhibitions open. For Indianapolis families looking to experience the city's contemporary art scene in an authentic, accessible way, the Harrison Center offers an experience unlike any traditional gallery or museum.