Indiana Relocated Official Gubernatorial Portraits

State officials moved the historic collection into public hallways to increase accessibility for Indiana visitors.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Fine Art

Bold vector editorial illustration of a large empty gilded frame against a stone wall in an airy hallway. — Indiana officials have relocated 50 official gubernatorial portraits to public hallways in the Statehouse to improve public access to historical art. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Indiana has begun relocating its collection of 50 official gubernatorial portraits to the public hallways of the Statehouse. This initiative aims to provide broader access to historical artwork that was previously tucked away in restricted office spaces.

Why it matters

The relocation project ensures that historically significant portraits are no longer hidden from public tour groups. By moving the paintings into common areas, the state is prioritizing educational transparency and historical appreciation.

The collection includes 50 official paintings and four additional works by T.C. Steele originally commissioned for the 1916 centennial celebration. While these move to the Statehouse, the portrait of Thomas A. Hendricks remains in the governor's office.

The players

Eric Holcomb

He is the former Governor of Indiana whose official portrait was the most recent addition to the collection.

T.C. Steele

He was a renowned Hoosier Group painter whose work is featured in the state collection.

Indiana Department of Administration

This state agency is responsible for overseeing the physical relocation and display of the portrait collection.

Indiana State Museum

This institution provides expert staff to handle, preserve, and prepare the historical paintings for transport.

The details

Museum staff and the Indiana Department of Administration are managing the transition by preparing paintings in small batches for transit. Simultaneously, six fellows in the governor's office are researching and drafting new historical placards to accompany the displays on the second, third, and fourth floors.

The tradition of collecting gubernatorial portraits began in 1869.
Four portraits by T.C. Steele were commissioned for a 1916 centennial celebration.
The official portrait of Eric Holcomb was unveiled in December 2024.
The state aims to complete the full installation before the end of 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This project reflects a broader trend of repurposing administrative buildings as cultural institutions to drive civic engagement. By integrating state history into the physical layout of the Indiana Statehouse, officials are moving away from traditional private office displays toward public gallery models.

The general public and school tour groups will now have direct access to view the state's full gubernatorial collection while visiting the Statehouse. Visitors can expect to see these historic works on the second, third, and fourth floors of the building as the move progresses.

The takeaway

The transformation of the Statehouse into a public gallery underscores the value of institutional memory in government buildings. Readers interested in local history can anticipate a more immersive experience during future visits to the capitol.

What happens next

The governor's office plans to formally announce the completion of the portrait installation project once all paintings are mounted, with a target deadline set for the end of 2026.