diff --git a/scikits/image/data/__init__.py b/scikits/image/data/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c46a2e37
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scikits/image/data/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+import scipy.misc as _m
+
+lena = _m.lena
+
diff --git a/scikits/image/setup.py b/scikits/image/setup.py
index b1831d4e..2d24389d 100644
--- a/scikits/image/setup.py
+++ b/scikits/image/setup.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ def configuration(parent_package='', top_path=None):
     config.add_subpackage('morphology')
     config.add_subpackage('filter')
     config.add_subpackage('transform')
+    config.add_subpackage('data')
 
     def add_test_directories(arg, dirname, fnames):
         if dirname.split(os.path.sep)[-1] == 'tests':