Haan Museum of Indiana Art
Haan Museum of Indiana Art
5
About
Take a tour of the Haan Museum, an art museum inside a 1904 World's Fair mansion! Enjoy looking at beautiful impressionist Indiana paintings, amazingly detailed Renaissance Revival furniture, and uniquely eccentric ceramics, all within a grand 15,000 square-foot mansion! The Haan Museum's collection includes work from T.C. Steele, William Forsyth, and the rest of the Hoosier Group artists, Brown County Art Colony artists such as Adolph and Ada Shulz, Scott Frankenberger, Marvin Bartel, and many, many more famous Indiana artists. Artwork and furniture date from the 19th century to present day. Don't forget to check out our Sculpture Garden, bike trail, and nature trail to complete your Haan Museum experience!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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wetravelalot007
Rossville, IN1,233 contributions
Jun 2022
Lafayette is not known for its great tourist draws. We know there are more popular spots in Lafayette that have broader appeal to all ages like the Columbian Park Zoo. However, we found the true treasure of Lafayette one Saturday in June. It was a hot day, so a cool attraction suited us well. We had driven up and down this area where the Haan Museum is located many times. We observed the large old homes in the neighborhood. We always thought these homes were beautiful.
We knew the Haan Museum was a place to see in Lafayette but had not invested the effort to go and see it. It does take planning as the window it is open is small. It is open from 1 PM to 3 PM. We arrived around 12:20 PM so we walked through the Haan Sculpture Garden prior to taking the home tour. We reviewed the garden under that listing. It was a pleasant place to wait for the main event.
As the opening time drew near, we walked to the front sidewalk and walked up the long walkway that allowed for full frontal view of the massive columns that frame this old home. The exterior of the home is beautiful and has a grandness from a long past time. We found out after we entered the home that the entryway, we walked through was from a home that was built in the 1700’s that was being torn down at the time that the Connecticut home was being built. That had our minds wondering of all the people that had walked through those doors. This home was the Connecticut representation at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. It was reconstructed for the fair and stood there for approximately a year before being purchased and moved to Lafayette. An interesting fact is that it stood on ground where the St. Louis Zoo now is located. We loved our time at that zoo, so it is funny how the two are somewhat obscurely linked.
The entry fee to the Museum/Home tour is $10 per person. A great date trip for couples without kids. It is filled with art from Indiana artists (except the grand American Indian art that adorns the stairway walls). It is also adorned with period furniture. There is great thought and detail placed into the adornment of this home. The highlights of the Indiana artists preserved here are TC Steele and William Forsyth. There are many other artists represented here as well but those stood out to us.
The docents were very informative and friendly. We enjoyed all the details and the time they spent with us. The home is a self-guided tour, but they are happy to tell you many facts about the home and the artists represented. They are especially informative about the history of the home and many of the grand furnishings that are there.
For us this was a very worthwhile couple hours of wandering and soaking up the home and its art. This is a treasure that does not get the recognition it is due. We are grateful to the Haan’s for preserving the home and its artwork.
We hesitate to mention this as it almost detracts from our home and museum review, but there is also a walking path through the woods behind the sculpture garden for bikers and hikers alike. It is not one of the best hikes you will have but it is nice to have the opportunity to hike in the middle of the city. We did not hike it the day we went to the museum, but we did come back on a weeknight for a little exercise. We were staying close to the home for a month, so we fully immersed ourselves in all the property had to offer.
We knew the Haan Museum was a place to see in Lafayette but had not invested the effort to go and see it. It does take planning as the window it is open is small. It is open from 1 PM to 3 PM. We arrived around 12:20 PM so we walked through the Haan Sculpture Garden prior to taking the home tour. We reviewed the garden under that listing. It was a pleasant place to wait for the main event.
As the opening time drew near, we walked to the front sidewalk and walked up the long walkway that allowed for full frontal view of the massive columns that frame this old home. The exterior of the home is beautiful and has a grandness from a long past time. We found out after we entered the home that the entryway, we walked through was from a home that was built in the 1700’s that was being torn down at the time that the Connecticut home was being built. That had our minds wondering of all the people that had walked through those doors. This home was the Connecticut representation at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. It was reconstructed for the fair and stood there for approximately a year before being purchased and moved to Lafayette. An interesting fact is that it stood on ground where the St. Louis Zoo now is located. We loved our time at that zoo, so it is funny how the two are somewhat obscurely linked.
The entry fee to the Museum/Home tour is $10 per person. A great date trip for couples without kids. It is filled with art from Indiana artists (except the grand American Indian art that adorns the stairway walls). It is also adorned with period furniture. There is great thought and detail placed into the adornment of this home. The highlights of the Indiana artists preserved here are TC Steele and William Forsyth. There are many other artists represented here as well but those stood out to us.
The docents were very informative and friendly. We enjoyed all the details and the time they spent with us. The home is a self-guided tour, but they are happy to tell you many facts about the home and the artists represented. They are especially informative about the history of the home and many of the grand furnishings that are there.
For us this was a very worthwhile couple hours of wandering and soaking up the home and its art. This is a treasure that does not get the recognition it is due. We are grateful to the Haan’s for preserving the home and its artwork.
We hesitate to mention this as it almost detracts from our home and museum review, but there is also a walking path through the woods behind the sculpture garden for bikers and hikers alike. It is not one of the best hikes you will have but it is nice to have the opportunity to hike in the middle of the city. We did not hike it the day we went to the museum, but we did come back on a weeknight for a little exercise. We were staying close to the home for a month, so we fully immersed ourselves in all the property had to offer.
Written 6 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leigh
Hagerstown, MD11 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
We stopped by for the Christmas at the Haan House. We had seen advertisements that they had extensive Christmas displays and trains. We thought, what better way to evoke "classic christmas" with our son then to go see the Christmas trains.
Well, we didn't realize it was basically a guided tour, and though we very much enjoyed seeing the house and the trains, we had to break away very early on in the tour, as you cannot expect little ones to hold still and/or pay attention, when all they really want is to see the trains and the Christmas trees. I was alsohighly concerned as they have a lot of expensive museum pieces that are very accessible for "little hands", and thankfully our son knows better, but as a mom....you know what I'm saying.
I will say though this is also a phenomenal place for some Christmas photos as the decor was amazing and they had a little gingerbread house and a sleigh and everything!
I will also say we definitely wouldn't mind going back just me and the hubby to actually do the guided tour as there was A LOT of good information we were learning and did enjoy!
Well, we didn't realize it was basically a guided tour, and though we very much enjoyed seeing the house and the trains, we had to break away very early on in the tour, as you cannot expect little ones to hold still and/or pay attention, when all they really want is to see the trains and the Christmas trees. I was alsohighly concerned as they have a lot of expensive museum pieces that are very accessible for "little hands", and thankfully our son knows better, but as a mom....you know what I'm saying.
I will say though this is also a phenomenal place for some Christmas photos as the decor was amazing and they had a little gingerbread house and a sleigh and everything!
I will also say we definitely wouldn't mind going back just me and the hubby to actually do the guided tour as there was A LOT of good information we were learning and did enjoy!
Written 16 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. I'm sorry that you felt you needed to stay with a tour. While the tour is available for those who want it, you can take your son and go at your own pace to see whatever you'd like.
Written 13 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clare R
1 contribution
Jan 2017 • Friends
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 Lafayette!!!
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 Lafayette!!!
Written 27 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Clare. We're glad that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you in the spring.
Written 29 January 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nick A
Wood River, IL50 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
I visited this house as a fan of architecture and was quite surprised at the extensive art collection housed within. The balcony opening on the second floor did not disappoint.
Enjoyed the visit and would recommend to anyone appreciative of the arts.
Enjoyed the visit and would recommend to anyone appreciative of the arts.
Written 6 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the art as well as the architecture. We hope you'll come again.
Written 13 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diana R
Wabash, IN133 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
This was my second visit to the mansion and I saw so many pieces that I hadn't seen last time I was here. I truly think you could go everyday for a month and still find something new. A wonderful gym in Lafayette not-to-be-missed.
Written 3 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Diana! I hope you'll come again soon. You're right - there is so much to see that you can't grasp it in one trip. Some people just look and the paintings, some prefer the ceramics, some concentrate on the furniture, and others are more interested in the architecture. Most people want to know a little about everything.
The new special exhibition has twenty-five historic paintings depicting activities that were common at the turn of the century, such as farming and circuses. Visitors are invited to "Step into the Painting", and place themselves in the setting. There are photos next to each painting, showing kids re-creating the scene. Schools can use the exhibition as part of their Indiana History curriculum.
Written 6 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tharvie1234
Champaign, IL3 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
We were in town for the day and a dear friend recommended the museum at the last minute. We were having lunch down the street and decided to check it out. What a wonderful surprise! From the beautiful pieces of art, paintings, one of a kind pieces of furniture and sculptures, I think everyone will find something that catches their fancy. The museum is a labor of love and pride of Indiana and her artists. Ellie was a delight and it was a treat to have her share the stories of her home and adventures of her priceless and beautiful treasures. The house, museum and gardens do not disappoint.
Written 3 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! We continue to be impressed by the beautiful paintings and ceramics created here in Indiana. They are among the best in the country. The music box still amazes me every time I see it in action and think about someone making it in 1880 without the use of a computer (for those of you who haven't visited, every roll plays six songs and five instruments - and it was custom-made with twelve rolls of songs chosen by the buyer).
I think you'd enjoy our "Celebrate Indiana!" festival if you're in the area on September 1. We're having jazz by Hoagy Carmichael and Cole Porter, poetry by James Whitcomb Riley and other Hoosier icons, two ten-minute plays, hands-on arts and nature activities, a public art project and more. It should be a fun day!
Written 6 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynn S
41 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Wonderful afternoon touring the Haan Museum with it's fabulous collection of Paintings and other art by Indiana artists. The painting collection is beyond wonderful. Also, many pieces of unique antique furniture of the time. The music boxes were my favorite. Enjoyed walking thru the sculpture garden. It's not large but a lovely area in a summer afternoon with some beautiful and varied sculptures. Will be back another day to do the 1 mile nature trail. If in Lafayette, don't miss this lovely mansion/museum. If you have children, the will enjoy the Wooten desk and music boxes as well as the ceramic swivel and rocking chairs.
Written 13 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Lynn. We love the historic Indiana paintings, but there are so many other treasures in the Museum. The orchestral music box still amazes me every time I see it in action, and the Wooton desk (a very rare superior grade) is another favorite. Somehow, the contemporary ceramics seem to fit in with the paintings and antiques,
Thanks to the help of volunteers, the sculpture garden gets better all the time. It should be even nicer in the next few weeks as more plants begin flowering. I hope you'll visit again soon.
Written 22 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diana R
Wabash, IN133 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
My husband and I had an afternoon to fill while in town and decided to visit the Haan mansion. What an amazing experience. Mr. and Mrs. Haan were there and shared their passion for the collection as well as various anecdotes regarding the pieces and artists represented. This visit became the highlight of our weekend. What a gift to the community of Lafayette. Please, take advantage of this wonderful showplace for Indiana artists. You will be amazed.
Written 25 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Diana. We're so glad that you enjoyed your visit. Please come again when you're in the area.
Written 27 March 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cheryl W
Greenwood, IN7 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
The Haan Mansion Museum of Indiana art is so fascinating. The house itself was moved to Lafayette from the St Louis World's Fair at the close of the 1904 Fair. Seeing the house itself was worth the trip! It is filled with wonderful pieces of art and furniture showcasing artists from all over the state of Indiana. And then there is the bonus of the sculpture garden, nature trail and mountain bike trail in the back yard!! What a fabulous gift the Haan's have given to the city of Lafayette and all the lucky people who visit this treasure at the top of the Ninth Street hill.
Written 22 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Cheryl. I'm glad that you liked the Museum. You'll need to come for a Christmas tour if you're in this area - it's very festive and family friendly, with lots of things that kids (and kids at heart) will like. Most of the big trees are decorated now, and some of the trains are in place. I can't wait to see our new display of historic London buildings like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the Tower Bridge.
Written 24 November 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kae91
Indiana65 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
I have visited this mansion a few times and always learn something new. The collection of Indiana art is amazing and diverse. Also, they have several really unique antiques. My son's art club went on a field trip here and the kids were intrigued. Mr. and Mrs. Haan bought the mansion several years ago and have restored much of it. They recently DONATED the mansion to a historical group, which is incredibly generous and wonderful of them! There is also a really nice walking trail in the woods behind the mansion, with many trees and plants that are native to Indiana marked along the way. You must contact the historical society ahead of time to set up a tour. There is a website - just Google "Haan Mansion" and you will find it.
Written 4 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you. We hope you come again. We bought the building in 1984. The Haan
Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and we donated the property (5 acres) to the Museum non-profit in 2015.
We just started having special exhibitions, and the Museum is now open from 1 to 4 every Wednesday through Saturday for self-guided tours. A sculpture garden is opening on the grounds on October 29. It is wheelchair accessible, and will be open to the public every day during daylight hours.
The schedule for guided tours and special events is on the website, haanmuseum.org.
Written 21 October 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can a visitor tour the sculpture garden without paying admission to the house/museum?
Written 18 May 2018
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