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INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Bloomington
Hoosier Life

Arts & Culture

Put a big college campus in a small city and magic happens. Broadway shows. Garage bands. Gallery strolls. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy here.

Did you know?

1,500+ performances each year

The Bloomington campus plays host to over 1,500 performances each year, with many starring IU Bloomington students just like you! 

An environment filled with music, dance, and theater

Thanks to the Jacobs School of Music and the many arts-oriented student organizations, there is almost always a musical performance going on somewhere on campus—most of them free.

IU also boasts a full season of classic and contemporary opera and ballet theater, a university orchestra, and four museums and art galleries.

A close up shot of two violinists performing.

Step into the spotlight

We bring shows and concerts to the IU Auditorium and exhibits to the IU Eskenazi Museum of Art, but many on-campus arts are performed or created by students (and are free for students to attend). This is your time to shine—and get great material for your resume.

From big auditoriums to intimate theaters, Bloomington has it all

There are dozens of theaters and concert venues at IU and across Bloomington. Here are just a few of the standouts.

  • IU Auditorium - If you want to see big names and big shows, the IU Auditorium is the place to go. Each season, the auditorium showcases Broadway musicals and plays, top comedians and musical performers, and family-friendly acts.

    IU students get discounted tickets.

    See what the IU Auditorium offers

  • IU Cinema - The IU Cinema bills itself as the place for film, and it’s not exaggerating. Every semester, it screens more than 100 films. It also brings celebrated filmmakers to campus and offers students and the community a variety of educational experiences.

    Learn more about IU Cinema

  • Buskirk-Chumley Theater - Owned by the city of Bloomington, “the Buskirk” as B-towners call it, hosts a wide variety of events every year. From jazz concerts to stand-up comedy festivals, there’s always something new happening at this intimate theater.

    Explore the Buskirk

So many festivals, so little time

Bloomington is famous for its Lotus World Music and Arts Festival—a yearly celebration of world music and arts. But that’s one of many festivals that take place all year long.

The year kicks off with Pridefest, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community on the iconic Kirkwood Avenue.

From April to November, explore multiple farmers' markets, bringing fresh produce and local music around Bloomington in a festival-like atmosphere.

Summer brings festivals celebrating food, comedy, art, and more. And when fall arrives? It’s IU season, with Homecoming, Parents Weekend, and more!

See the Bloomington Event Calendar

Museums and cultural centers abound

Indiana University and Bloomington are home to dozens of museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.

  • Eskenazi Museum of Art - This gorgeous building designed by I. M. Pei houses more than 45,000 art objects ranging from Picasso paintings to ancient jewelry.

  • Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center - The center works to connect IU and the surrounding community with black culture through a variety of programs and exhibits.

  • The Kinsey Institute - The Kinsey Institute has been working to advance sexual health and knowledge worldwide for more than 75 years. It offers tours of the building and its gallery daily.

See the whole list of museums and cultural centers in Bloomington

Additional arts & culture resources

  • Indiana University Arts & Humanities Council
    The Arts & Humanities Council works with students, faculty, staff, and friends of IU to make transformative experiences in the public arts and humanities accessible to all.
  • Culture Centers
    Our six culture centers provide opportunities to learn about and celebrate culture at IU through events, programs, outreach, and advocacy.
  • Bloomington Arts & Culture projects
    The City of Bloomington recognizes that the arts are an important part of the culture and economy of the community, and that the City has a responsibility to foster an environment conducive to arts participation.
  • Activities in Bloomington
    Bloomington's culture is comprised of a wonderfully eclectic mix of Midwestern values, international influences, intellectual pursuits, and spiritual exploration.
  • Opera and Ballet Theater at the Jacobs School of Music
    The Jacobs School of Music plays a key role in educating performers, scholars, and music educators who influence music performance and education around the globe.
  • Jacobs School of Music
    The Jacobs School of Music hosts more than 1,100 events every year that feature hundreds of talented students, faculty, and guest artists who hail from all over the world.