Explore the evolution of an Indianapolis landmark from a German clubhouse to a hub of modern urban life on guided tours with Indiana Landmarks and the Athenaeum Foundation.
The Athenaeum, built in 1894 and 1898 as Das Deutsche Haus, remains true to the “sound mind in a sound body” ethos of its freethinker German founders. Author Kurt Vonnegut’s architect grandfather’s firm Vonnegut & Bohn designed the German gymnasium and clubhouse, which the author declared his favorite of all of his ancestor’s works. Anxious to preserve their culture, and accustomed to clubs, German-Americans created societies for music, recreation and social activity, political and philosophical discussion, theater, exercise, and more.
In partnership with the Athenaeum Foundation, Indiana Landmarks proudly offers guided tours of this National Historic Landmark.
On the 60-minute guided tour of the Athenaeum, tourgoers will:
Learn about the Athenaeum’s unique German-inspired architectural features.
Explore the evolution of the building from a German clubhouse to a hub of modern urban life, with a theater, YMCA, and the Rathskeller, a restaurant/pub in continuous operation since the landmark’s earliest days.
Discover how the Athenaeum was saved when it faced an uncertain future and restored, still fulfilling the role of clubhouse for cultural development and physical health.
See spaces usually inaccessible to the public, including rooms overlooking the Biergarten and gym, and the theater’s stage. Please note these spaces are subject to room availability and all spaces may not be available depending on building programming.
The tour costs $10 per person age 12 and up; $8 per member of Indiana Landmarks; $5 per child (age 6-11); and is free for children ages 5 and under.
Secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance via the form below, by visiting athenaeumtour2021.eventbrite.com or by calling Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534 or reservations@indianalandmarks.org.
Phone: 317-639-4534
Email: reservations@indianalandmarks.org
2021/05/19 - 2021/10/20
The Athenaeum
401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Explore the evolution of an Indianapolis landmark from a German clubhouse to a hub of modern urban life on monthly guided tours with Indiana Landmarks and the Athenaeum Foundation.
The Athenaeum, built in 1894 and 1898 as Das Deutsche Haus, remains true to the “sound mind in a sound body” ethos of its freethinker German founders. Author Kurt Vonnegut’s architect grandfather’s firm Vonnegut & Bohn designed the German gymnasium and clubhouse, which the author declared his favorite of all of his ancestor’s works. Anxious to preserve their culture, and accustomed to clubs, German-Americans created societies for music, recreation and social activity, political and philosophical discussion, theater, exercise, and more. The Athenaeum united all Indianapolis’s German clubs under one roof.
In partnership with the Athenaeum Foundation, Indiana Landmarks offers guided tours of the National Historic Landmark on the second Saturday of the month, May through October. The tour explores the evolution of the building from a German clubhouse to a hub of modern urban life, with a theater, YMCA, and the Rathskeller, a restaurant/pub in continuous operation since the landmark’s earliest days.
You’ll learn about the German Renaissance Revival architecture, and the original mix of activities—a gymnasium that promoted gymnastics and other physical exercise, a lecture hall and a theater, a restaurant and pubs (there were 8 in the building!). You’ll hear how the building was saved when it faced an uncertain future and restored, still fulfilling the role of clubhouse for cultural development and physical health.
Tours last approximately one hour and depart from the lobby of the Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis. Enter using the west wing doors and walk up the stairs, or use the Rathskeller entrance and ride the elevator to the lobby, adjacent to Coat Check Coffee.
Parking: Park in the lot immediately east of the Athenaeum, a pay lot accessed from Michigan Street, or at meters on the surrounding streets.