Building Information

Building History

In his September 2019 State of Indiana University at the Bicentennial speech, IU President Michael A. McRobbie announced the creation of this new museum as part of the university’s ongoing effort to care for its many precious collections and preserve the knowledge they hold. The new museum would merge the rich collections of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology and the Mathers Museum of World Cultures to create a world-class museum whose collections and research resources, dynamic exhibits, engaging programming, and outreach efforts will serve IU’s education and research missions and make it a leading destination for scholars, students, and the public. The IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (IUMAA) will bring together over five million objects to tell the story of humanity, from the rich heritage of Indiana's First Peoples to the lives of contemporary Hoosiers, and how those stories are connected to peoples around the world.

In fall 2020, extensive renovation work began on the building that previously housed the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology and the Mathers Museum of World Cultures at 416 N. Indiana Avenue on the IU Bloomington campus. Take a look at the renovation progress further down the page.

In spring 2022, staff and collections began moving back into the newly renovated space. Work continues as we organize the collections and prepare opening exhibits!

Where to find us

IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
416 N. Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408

Space Allocation

Collections Storage Space

  • New IUMAA north storage: 2,867 square feet / New IUMAA south storage: 3,964 square feet
  • Former MMUS storage: 6,464 square feet / Former GBL storage: 3,447 square feet

 

 

Note: The inclusion of a secured public corridor alongside the collections storage area and the creation of an Ethnographic Research Room has reduced overall Collection Storage areas by a little over 3,000 square feet, thus necessitating compact storage.

 

Research Labs and Workrooms

  • Wet/Processing Lab: 215 square feet
  • Analytical Lab: 631 square feet
  • Material Science Lab: 384 square feet
  • Underwater Lab: 264 square feet
  • Digitization/Photogrammetry Lab: 395 square feet 
  • Conservation Lab: 546 square feet
  • Photography Studio: 572 square feet
  • Ethnographic Research Room: 1,065 square feet

 

color image of "Archive Reading Room" sign

Exhibits, Program/Learning Spaces, Reading Room

  • Exhibit Gallery: 7,610 square feet
  • Program Room: 1,466 square feet
  • Reading Room and Archive Storage: 1,636 square feet
  • Learning Lab: 514 square feet

Note: In addition to the 7,610 square foot exhibit hall, the IUMAA will be utilizing open/visible storage throughout the approximately 4,500 square feet of lobby/hallway space available and using glass panels for small collections storage exhibits and public viewing of lab and collections workspaces.

 

Parking

  • IUMAA parking area: three handicapped parking spaces; six visitor parking spaces
  • Limited visitor parking may be available at the McCalla School parking lot, just a block north and west of IUMAA

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