EIU Tarble Arts Center

Plan Your Visit

The Tarble's main gallery spaces are now being prepared for our Fall Exhibitions An Other World, Famous Black Americans: The Dolls of Ida Roberta Bell, and Touch Me: A Flat File Exhibition. Join us Friday, September 20th at 5:00pm for the Fall Exhibitions Opening Reception!

Group, Individual, and Field Trips

At the Tarble Arts Center, we welcome visitors of all kinds—from school groups and community organizations to individual art enthusiasts. Whether you're planning a group visit or an intimate experience, we’re here to help tailor your trip to ensure a memorable and engaging experience.

Group Visits

Organizing a group visit to Tarble is easy and customizable. Our group visits are perfect for school classes, clubs, and organizations interested in exploring art together. We offer guided tours led by our knowledgeable staff or self-guided options if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

Individual Visits

For those who prefer a more personalized experience, we offer individual visits where you can explore our exhibitions at your leisure. Our staff is available to provide insights and answer questions during your visit.

Field Trips

The Tarble Arts Center provides a dynamic environment for educational field trips, offering customizable programs that cater to the unique needs of your students. Our shows can explore a wide range of themes, from art history to contemporary practices.

Additionally, we offer spaces like our Education Lab for hands-on activities or lectures, the Design Lab and in-house Zine Library for browsing or zine creation, and opportunities for individuals to engage in discussion directly with our collection.

Reserve Your Trip

Events

The Tarble Arts Center invites external organizations to utilize our Commonspace for events or meetings. By requesting to use our space, you agree to become a member of the Tarble Arts Center with a minimum membership fee of $50. All reservation requests must align with our mission to foster appreciation and engagement with the arts as a vital resource. To request the use of our space, please fill out the form below.

Please note that EIU-affiliated individuals and organizations are not required to opt into a Tarble Arts Center membership.

Reserve Our Space

Info for Students, Faculty & Staff

EIU students, faculty, and staff conducting research or visiting with classes can visit exhibitions and the Tarble collection during regular business hours or by appointment. Please make appointments as far in advance as possible. Please use the above form for field trips.

For detailed collection questions: Contact Gisela Alvarez, Exhibitions & Collection Manager, at galvarez4@eiu.edu or 217.581.6075

For questions about planning your visit: Contact Mya Harbison, Audience Development Manager, at mjharbison@eiu.edu or 217.581.2990

Accessibility

The Tarble welcomes all visitors to its exhibitions, collections, and building. The Tarble is committed to offering programs that are accessible to everyone. If any visitor or tour requires accommodations, please contact the Tarble at 217-581-2787 or tarble@eiu.edu, two weeks in advance of your visit.

Parking: Free visitor parking is available in the Tarble lot adjacent to the Museum, on Eastern’s campus. Designated parking spaces are available for visitors with disabilities. All public entrances are accessible. Please bring a visitor parking pass or ask our gallery attendants.

FAQ

"Is the Tarble open to anyone?"

Yes! Visiting the Tarble is free and open to the public during our open hours.

"Are events open to the public?"

Yes! Most events and programs hosted by the Tarble are free and open to the public. However, some exclusive programming may occur, so please be sure to check the event details.

"What activities do you have for families?"

Visit our Opportunities page for activity information designed for K-12 artists, and explore our Programs page for details on upcoming Tarble Family Day events.

"Is the work on view suitable for all audiences?"

The Tarble does not mediate subject matter in exhibitions, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions regarding the content of specific exhibitions, please call our Visitor Services Desk at 217-581-2787.

"What if I have other questions?"

Please call our Visitor Services Desk at 217-581-2787 or email tarble@eiu.edu.

Open Hours

Thu–Fri: 10am–5pm* | Sat: 1–5pm*
Mon-Wed: by appointment only, see the above reservation form
Closed Sundays, EIU holidays and breaks, and during installation periods.

FREE gallery admission and visitor parking.
*Last entries at 4pm.