Visitors to the Eiteljorg’s Ansel Adams exhibit in 2014

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art broke its all-time attendance record in 2014. More than 161,000 guests visited the Indianapolis museum, the most in its 25 year history.

The museum’s largest exhibit of 2014, a collection of Ansel Adams’ photographs, attracted nearly 88,000 visitors over its five month run making it the Eiteljorg’s best-attended show ever.

The attendance record illustrates the success of the museum’s fundraising campaign, Project New Moon, which was launched in 2010. The goal of the campaign was to re-invigorate the museum and its mission.

John Vanausdall, president and CEO of the Eiteljorg, said that the museum is not only meeting its goals with the campaign, but now regularly exceeding them with interesting new shows, including its next big exhibit entitled “Gold! Riches and Ruin.”

“The search for gold is one of the most compelling stories of the American West and when we open “Gold!” in March, visitors will get to see it, learn stories about those who struck it rich or died trying, and children and families will even have the opportunity to experience enriching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities – all related to the exhibit,” said Vanausdall.

The museum has several other major exhibits and events planned for the year. A full calendar and descriptions can be found on its website.

Source: Eiteljorg Museum