Indianapolis City Market and Indiana Landmarks stage tours of an unusual site usually hidden from public view. Our guided tour of the Catacombs shows you a Roman-looking expanse of brick arches beneath the outdoor Whistler Plaza of City Market.
The Catacombs qualify as both a ruin and a redevelopment opportunity. They’re what remains of Tomlinson Hall, an imposing building whose main hall seated 3,500 people. Dietrich Bohlen designed the hall in 1886 to complement his earlier work at City ... view more »
Indianapolis City Market and Indiana Landmarks stage tours of an unusual site usually hidden from public view. Our guided tour of the Catacombs shows you a Roman-looking expanse of brick arches beneath the outdoor Whistler Plaza of City Market.
The Catacombs qualify as both a ruin and a redevelopment opportunity. They’re what remains of Tomlinson Hall, an imposing building whose main hall seated 3,500 people. Dietrich Bohlen designed the hall in 1886 to complement his earlier work at City Market. He also designed Indiana Landmarks’ Morris-Butler House. Tomlinson burned in January 1958, turning Market Street into an icy lake as firefighters battled the blaze. The city took down the remains later that year, but left the vast basement of brick arches intact.
Tours last approximately 30 minutes and depart from the west plaza of City Market, 222 E. Market Street, Indianapolis. Cost: $12 per adult (12 and up); $6 per child (ages 6-11); $10 per member of Indiana Landmarks; $5 per child who are members Indiana Landmarks; Free for children ages 5 and under. Tickets: Reservation required. Purchase tickets online at https://catacombs2016.eventbrite.com, or contact Chris DellaRocco, 317-639-4534, reservations@indianalandmarks.org
Please note: City Market Catacombs are an undeveloped historic asset and are not handicapped accessible. The Catacombs feature a very rough, uneven dirt floor. The tour is not navigable for guests with walkers, canes, strollers, or wheelchairs. We recommend closed-toed shoes. Alert to people with breathing sensitivities: the Catacombs are a musty, sometimes damp area. Guests are required to sign a waiver of liability to take the Catacombs tour.
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