I had no idea this building was in the city until I attended a Candlelight Concert here. Parking was convenient (and FREE) There is a lot in front of the entrance, which for a larger event, might fill up quickly, but street parking is also available. I have attended a Candlelight Concert in the past at a different location and what a stunning space THIS was. The ambience was everything! The musicians were fabulous! And just when we thought the evening was over, the musicians offered to play one last tribute to Drake. What a wonderful evening it was at this beautiful historic building! read more

Indiana Landmarks Center - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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We had been looking forward to checking out this building and were anxious to go when we got invited to a wedding/reception there recently. I was surprised at how near it was to downtown Indy. The church portion of the building is beautiful with stained glass windows all around the sanctuary and a huge pipe organ on the front of the chancel. There is also a balcony surrounding the main floor seats. There is a beautiful bricked area outside for cocktails and appetizers to be served. The dining area is also huge and beautiful with two levels of serving. The contracted catering service did a very nice job. The parking lot is fairly small but there is available street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Very nice place. read more

This is an appreciation post for the bel tower that has brought so much joy to our family since it was repaired and brought back to life towards the end of last year. During the holiday season, we enjoyed hearing the nightly 6pm bells play different festive songs. The 8am bell tells us if we're running late for school and the noon bell is a sweet reminder to soak in the small stuff during the hustle of the work day. I'm so grateful for the cheer these bells bring to the neighborhood. Dare I say that it transports me to Europe every time the bells chime? It's that good. If you're looking to visit the Landmarks Center, they roll out the red carpet every other month for first Friday. Can't wait to take our kiddos next month. read more

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We feel like you can count on a good presentation if you attend it at the Landmarks center. Yesterday was no exception. Dave (the King) Wilson and Al Unser, Jr spoke regarding Al's racing career Dave Wilson did a great job directing the conversation and "Little" Al added delightful insight into what it feels like to win and also to loose the greatest race in the world. He added his feelings about crashing into a wall, what he thought and what hand gesture he kept to himself.0 It was an evening of entertaining, heart felt, humorous and serious emotion rolled into one. Al added a chance to see things about the 500 that we had not considered. Informative and humorous, this was a talk well worth attending. read more

Indiana Landmarks Center - Dave Wilson and Al Unser Jr - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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There are so many amazing places in Indianapolis that I would say are hiding before our very eyes. They're places that are incredible gems yet not always widely known by the masses. The Indiana Landmarks Center is one of them. A Romanesque Revival-Style building first finding its life in 1891 as Central Avenue United Methodist Church (for decades Indiana's largest Methodist congregation), what is now the Indiana Landmarks Center had additions in 1900 and 1922. How influential was the congregation? It founded both Methodist Hospital AND Wheeler Mission. In the latter half of the 20th century, members included Senator Richard Lugar, Congressman Lee Hamilton, and Governor Frank O'Bannon and his wife Judy. What was then the sanctuary is now The Grand Hall. The Sunday School area is now Cook Theater. The education wing, the final addition, now serves as the headquarters for Indiana Landmarks. Like many extraordinary urban churches of the 19th and 20th centuries, Central Avenue's attendance began to decline as people moved away from downtown and toward the suburbs. This really grew in the post-World War II years. In the 1950's, Central Avenue helped plant St. Luke's but continued to see its own numbers decline until it merged with another congregation in 1999 and gave the campus to the Old Centrum Foundation, a new non-profit tasked with essentially saving the campus. They were good stewards, but not really equipped for the task. Thanks to Indiana Landmarks, it re-opened in 2011 after a $19 million renovation ($16 million of which was donated by the Cook family). In addition to now being the Indiana Landmarks headquarters, the Indiana Landmarks Center is an event space, a host for First Friday arts events, and readily open for tours. They have six different areas that can be rented - Grand Hall, Cook Theater, Rapp Family Gallery, Morrow Board Room, the Lobby and Courtyard, and the Morris-Butler House (which is technically next door and considered part of the campus). The Grand Hall can accommodate 550 (150 on the Mezzanine level and 400 on the main). It's a mesmerizing room that left me mumbling a stereotypical "wow." It's worth noting that the Indiana Landmarks Center is wheelchair accessible except for the Mezzanine Level of the Grand Hall. All areas that can be rented at Morris-Butler are also accessible. The Cook Theater can seat 200-250 on the main floor with another 100 on the mezzanine. This truly is a remarkable building. You've passed it likely a zillion times if you're here in Indy. You've likely looked at the dome and thought "That's cool." Trust me, it's way cooler on the inside. As a wheelchair user, I of course always lament when a building is not fully accessible. However, this is a 19th century building and the best of renovations can only do so much (and yes, I'm perhaps a bit more gracious than some about this issue because I do embrace the value of history). If you've never explored the work of Indiana Landmarks, you must. This is a remarkable building that preserves a valuable part of Indiana history and the awareness of a church congregation that truly left a powerful impact on Indiana lives. Check the website for event and tour info! read more

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I can only imagine how amazing it would be to host a party or event here. The view of the former sanctuary, now the Grand Hall, is spectacular at night with the large stain glass window and top lit dome. Volunteers staff the entryways during special events and offer tours of the facility as well. My last visit here was for the first Friday art tour and show. Occurring on the first Friday of most months, the art show features a new artist each month. The December art show featured many artists some of which had presented here before. A complimentary appetizer table is usually set up with a full range of cheeses, crackers, fruit and sweets. Complimentary drinks are often available as well ranging from common soft drinks to wine and beer. I like being able to talk with the artists here about there motivations and techniques. Indiana landmarks offers tours of historic places all over Indiana and are reservable on the web site. read more

Indiana Landmarks Center - Contemporary artists tonight - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Chances are, you've driven by the Indiana Landmarks Center and wondered (like me), "That's a cool building - wonder what's inside?" I had a chance to finally pay a visit at a Yelp Indy event in late 2016 and wow - it knocked my socks off! This is a "restored, Romanesque Revival-style church and gathering space" in the Old Northside district (also home to the Indiana Landmarks organization). The Grand Hall? Ohmylanta this theater-style church sanctuary would make the most lovely place for a small concert or a gorgeous wedding ceremony. I was there at night, but I bet the light during the daytime is impeccable. Just down the hall is the Cook Theater - an open space that can fit the bill for a number of seating arrangements and events. Wedding reception, perhaps? So happy this venue came across my radar, thanks to Yelp. What a find! read more

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Note: I have not rented this facility for a private reception. My review is based upon taking a tour in my first visit (when it reopened) and most recently, to view an art exhibit in the Rapp Family Gallery. When Indiana Landmarks Center opened after a previous life as a Methodist Church, it became a symbol of why there is such interest in saving buildings from days gone by. The building is fantastic in scale and beauty. Woodwork, stained glass, and a giant pipe organ that looks more like an art piece than just an instrument are gorgeously preserved. The $19 million renovation restored this 19th century Romanesque Revival church to a new purpose. Once I checked in at the receptionist's desk, I started my most recent visit in the gallery on the lower floor. There were 70 paintings by a local landscape artist who focused on the state parks as subject matter. Wow! It was fun recognizing some of the locations from my visits to the parks. I am not sure how often they swap out the paintings, but I thoroughly enjoyed viewing these. After the gallery, I was able to wander through the Grand Hall, the Cook Theater, and the board room to check out the superior restoration that was accomplished. I can only imagine how great it would be to see a performance on either of the stages. There is just something special about being around such fantastic work by artisans, both from the past and in the newer work to restore the grandeur. If you are interested in renting the facility, know that the Grand Hall holds 550 when you include the balcony. The Cook Theater can seat 350 for dinner when you count the mezzanine. Tours of the building are free on evenings that First Fridays are scheduled. Otherwise, group tours can be arranged for a fee. If you have an interest in architecture or local history, this facility is a must see. Review #243 read more

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I stopped in here with a couple of friends during a First Friday event. I've seen the Center from the outside many times but wasn't able to attend their "grand reopening," so to speak, so I was curious about the interior. It is not an exaggeration to say I was momentarily speechless when I stepped inside. There aren't enough adjectives to describe the renovations that have been done. A few years ago, I was at the then-Old Centrum for a Spirit and Place event. The space was clearly once-beautiful but it certainly wasn't at that time. Now? Wow. The Grand Hall, the former sanctuary, is simply stunning. Bill Cook, who donated more than $10 million towards the restoration, was a fan of gold leaf, according to one of the docents, and it is quite evident throughout. There are 78 gold-leaf covered medallions; 12 for the Apostles and 66 for the books of the Bible. The stained glass windows were restored as -- happy coincidence! -- the company in Kokomo that originally created the windows more than 100 years ago was still in business. Cook Hall is also beautiful ... all of that wood! That chandelier! The bright and airy feel! There is a gallery in the basement, but even that was bright, with windows bringing in the natural light. We were told that more than 40 weddings are scheduled before the end of 2013 and I can see why. It is a lovely, lovely space. Well worth your time to stop by for one of their public tours. Oh, odd fact: There are 22 levels in the building. The docent said a level might be three or four steps up, but still. The elevator makes 6 stops to accommodate all of the levels. A note: I called to check on wedding prices, as I'm engaged. A bit steep for my budget: 2 hours in the Grand Hall and 2 hours prior to the event for set-up will run you $3,300 for a Saturday. read more

Indiana Landmarks Center - Stained glass in the Grand Hall. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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We are so thankful that we found Indiana Landmarks! This is the most beautiful and affordable venue I've seen. Our ceremony was located in Grand Hall which looks like a beautiful theater and a church combined! The stained glass and custom lighting is stunning during any time of the day. Our favorite part of Grand Hall is the newly restored Pipe Organ! The pipes make a timeless, stunning backdrop. We didn't have to decorate the stage at all! They have a small table that we borrowed for our unity set and any other small details, they were happy to assist with. They have a room in which the bridal party can wait in. It's smaller so I wouldn't suggest getting ready here, but it was perfect to wait in while our guests were arriving. Our reception was held in the adjoining room, Cook Theater. You have to see it to appreciate how amazing it is! 2 stories, your guests can look over the balcony and watch people dancing below. The mezzanine upstairs was perfect for our photobooth, cocktail hour and just a nice quieter space for guests who needed to take a break. Downstairs, they have their own kitchen on site which was valuable to our caterer. They have a small room off to the side which hosted the bar and buffet line. We had our head table on the stage which was so much fun! We could look out and see all of our guests. Our venue site coordinator was always prompt in returning my emails and was VERY sweet and accommodating! Any time we had a meeting, she was always right there by the entry door waiting for our arrival. I could go on and on but the point is, I've coordinated many weddings in the past and I was so blessed to have come across this amazing venue for my own special day. Thanks to Sari, Alyssa and Alan for our perfect day!!! read more

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Simply the crown jewel of the city now! If you want an event with an overwhelming, breathtaking, wow-factor--this is the place. The lights in the Grand Hall can even be coordinated to match your event! The Cook Hall is also an amazing space--the entire place is like walking back into a magical place and time. Beautifully restored by the Cook Family (as in the same ones who saved and restored West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick--another favorite in the state.) I defy you to find a better space in town! Acoustics in both spaces are impressive as well. Don't miss any opportunity to come here! read more

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I was at a conference here for work, and I'm really impressed with the facility. I don't have any info on pricing or renting space there, but as an attendee of a function, I can recommend it as a beautiful event space. The private parking lot is a nice touch in an area of downtown that otherwise lacks convenient parking. Not sure how many the place holds, but the room for my conference had a large stage, beautiful wooden ceiling and a large chandelier that looks like it would have a story behind it. For the 75-100 people here, it was perfect. That tables and chairs weren't crushed together so it didn't feel overcrowded. If I had an appropriate sized event in Indy, I'd certainly be happy to hold it in this facility. read more

Indiana Landmarks Center - Stage and chandelier - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Indiana Landmarks Center is a beautiful event space that hosts First Friday Events as well as private events. The space is exquisite and maintained to the highest level. The Center is located on the Old Northside, which is a historic area. The space was originally a church and has been repurposed to be used as an event space. I also appreciate that they have an on-site parking lot that tends to have availability, and if not there is free street parking on the streets nearby. read more

I've been to a couple of events here at the Landmarks Center and it's never disappointed! The first event was for the Indiana Youth Group's annual art auction. The venue was perfect for the event. The right size, so it didn't get too cluttered, but it felt like it was very populated. The layout is good overall, but parking can be an issue at times. The second event was for a rally with the ACLU of Indiana. Another great event and the staff of the center were very helpful and friendly (so were the volunteers). A great venue that can host and accommodate a wide variety of events. Be sure to check them out next time you're looking to host an event inside a beautiful venue (inside and out)! read more

Indiana Landmarks Center - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I have been inside this building once for an event and my breath was taken away. It is absolutely gorgeous inside. The stained glass windows and the ceiling in the chapel are stunning. The Indiana Landmarks Center does an amazing job sustaining the history of Indianapolis. I have been to a couple of events put on by them and I am always amazed by the knowledge of their staff. I went to the Coca Cola Bottling Co. tour and the Catacombs tour at the City Market. I learned so much history from both tours and the guides were excellent. I know that they host a lot of different tours and events through out the year, which can be found on their website. I've never been disappointed by an event they've hosted! read more

I love this place. The exterior and interior are both stunning. The art gallery is small and in the basement, but the docent (?) will surely give you a quick tour to see the other spaces. What a fantastic location for a wedding, or any other event really! Be sure to stop in next time First Friday rolls around. If you enjoy architecture and history I think you'll really enjoy walking around this building. read more

Indiana Landmarks Center - Pipe organ - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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What a space, indeed! We did an Indy Fringe production this year in the Cook Theatre, the space that occupies the center of the Indiana Landmarks Center. This building, originally the Central Avenue Methodist Church, was rescued by the Cook family from destruction and decay. The theatre, originally the sanctuary, is named after the family that generously donated the funds that brought the building back to life! And now us Indy-folk get to enjoy it's splendor for community events of all sorts. Sweet! The privilege of working in this space is that you get to enjoy the character of the interior that is just as unique and graceful as the exterior. You've got this grand, all-wood, high-vaulted ceiling with a majestic chandelier in the center. Then you have the stage, floors, and walls all in vintage hardwood with a great open area for seating. The backstage is minimal, but our set was designed to be minimal due to Indy Fringe only giving each set about 15 minutes to set up. The parking is limited, but there is also free off-street parking nearby. I didn't get to check out the gallery or the other parts of the building, but I hear that they are gorgeous as well. A downside to the theatre is that the ceiling took in much of the sound produced by the actors, so it was difficult for the audience to hear them. Then again, that may have been because our actors weren't mic'd for the performance. Oh! I mustn't forget the awesome tech assistance we got for lights. Thanks, David! For our first Indy Fringe performance, we enjoyed working with this space so much, even with its itty-bitty difficulties. Plus, we got one heck of a turnout for our show! Can't complain one bit. Classic architecture + theatre = so much amazingness in one building. read more

Indiana Landmarks Center - Cook Theatre - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Parking can sometimes be a bit of an issue, but the building is beautifully remodeled and a great place for weddings!

I did a LOT of research when it came to ceremony and reception venues. I knew I wanted a venue that was classic and historic, could house about 200+ guests for both ceremony and reception, in a convenient location that showcased the city I love. I was losing hope that I could find everything I wanted, until I stumbled on an online comment to a venue I was looking at that mentioned the Indiana Landmarks Center. I was overwhelmed by its beauty inside and outside, from the gorgeous brick parking lot, to the lush outside patio, to the impressive chapel (with the original, refurbished pipe organ and Steinway piano!), the getting ready rooms and the gleaming theater/reception space. We booked it that day. Staff members were always pleasant, professional and went above and beyond (so I never worried about the day). We just had our wedding and reception there this past weekend and it was perfect. All of our guests kept commenting on how impressed they were with the venue. There was ample parking, lots of room for guests to mill about, and the vendor arrangement was seamless with the help of Lorna. I couldn't imagine a better venue and a better day. I'm sure as more and more people discover this place, the ILC will have a lot more weddings on their hands :) read more

Love the venue! Why it did not get 5 Stars: 1. Frickin' cold inside (January 2016 conference). We ladies, during breaks, would run downstairs to the restroom area to stand in front of the heat vents. Even the men were cold. 2. Sound system is bad. What was good? The beauty of the place. The parking and the upstairs area (equally beautiful) where a band was playing during our evening reception. read more

I've been here for several different events and each has been in a different part of the building. You don't realize how big it is until you get lost Parking can be tricky so be sure to arrive early. read more

Indiana Landmarks Center - Flava Fresh Art Exhibit - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Went to this venue for a fundraiser. What a beautiful space! There is a 2nd floor, a stage and a small area off to the side. Would be great for many events. I know that they host weddings and wedding receptions. read more

Attended a beautiful wedding today here. Would highly recommend for wedding venue or party/reception of some sort. Amazing staff, beautiful venue for an evening event. Lighting not he best for pictures in the evening but well worth the sacrifice of the ambiance and beauty. read more

I thought this building, known previously as the Old Centrum, was quite interesting when I went there for a Christmas party a few years ago. I didn't realize then what such disrepair it was in. After seeing the restoration of the former church, which was completed this year, I was floored. What was a beautiful building is now simply stunning. They didn't overlook any detail. The chapel is easily one the best places to have a wedding in this city. Even Cook Hall, with its extensive woodwork, is perfect for intimate theater performances. Even the outside of the building is majestic. It's understandable why Indiana Landmarks would make this place their headquarters. It may be their crown jewel as far as restoring historic structures. read more

Beautiful inside. The woodwork is amazing. Enjoyed a movie and dinner here. Very glad to have discovered this place and will watch for future events. It was well run and the parking was convenient and free. read more

Ive only been here for shows during the Indy Fringe Festival but it's a beautiful building that has two very large rooms. Both have stages, the one is a traditional theater stage and the other is more of a large church like stage with pews and an organ. read more

We loved this place! Gorgeous & spacious old church that has been re-purposed beautifully . & convenient parking!

I've only been here once for an IndyFringe performance, but I've passed by many times and have wanted to get a look around since it was recently renovated a few years ago. Absolutely beautiful building! I'd like to attend more events here, since I keep hearing about music performances, scavenger hunts, speakers, etc. It's a quick jaunt from Mass Ave, bikable--but no bike rack? I won't dock a star for that--I locked up against a railing. read more

I recently hosted my wedding here in September, and have received endless compliments on the venue from my guests! My wedding was roughly 130 guests and it hosted that number perfectly- the ceremony felt personal and the reception area filled up nicely, without needing to utilize the top balcony. We also did not need to go anywhere for pictures, as we used the beautiful architecture both inside and out for many variations of pictures (my favorite was in the balcony with the dome behind us!) I would recommend this place to anyone for their wedding, as the decorations can be limited due to the great ambiance! Lastly, Caitlin (the coordinator) ensured all of our leftover cake and gifts were on a cart ready to wheel out to our cars at the end of the night! This was extremely helpful considering "clean up" is the last thing you want to think about at the end of the night. Side note- MBP Catering hosted our event and did a wonderful job! read more

We had our staff retreat here August 20. Caitlin greeted the staff and directed us to our meeting room. We rented the Board Room for our retreat. It was the perfect size and the restrooms close by. The AV person waited until our speaker arrived to make sure there were no problems. What a wonderful place to have our retreat. I would definitely recommend the Indiana Landmarks Center to anyone. Thanks Caitlin! Debbie H read more

This place makes you say, "WOW!" the moment you walk in! The architecture in the building is breathtaking. I went to a small event for sampling of local products and loved the dark wood in the building. If you're thinking a larger event, I'm sure it would fit wonderfully! They have easy access parking and it's a quick drive from downtown. read more

If you ever have a chance to go to an event here, go--if only to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. I recently attended for an office holiday party. Our event was set up to be a dinner followed by a talent show. Round tables were set up all around a stage area, with overflow seating in a large second floor area with balcony views of the same stage. Bar and buffet set ups were on each floor. The space was perfect for this type of event, as everything could occur in one room. Our event utilized sounds equipment and screen/projector, which all appeared to work out seemlessly. My favorite part was probably the huge gorgeous wood ceiling...Would look incredible in pictures. Staff was friendly, and greeted us as soon as we arrived. Restrooms were clean. Nice sized coat room. We filled up the parking lot, but free street parking was close and abundant. Would definitely keep it in mind for future events. read more

I had my wedding here and while this venue is absolutely breathtaking in its beauty, the staff and leadership here is extremely poor. When things would go wrong on my wedding day, they made sure to seek out me (the bride) and blame me for any problems that occurred. Instead of trying to fix any problem that arose, they stood and talked near the office area amongst themselves. They also didn't inform us that by using our band's sound system, people in adjacent rooms would be unable to hear. MAKE SURE YOU USE THEIR SOUND SYSTEM even if they say that you can use your band's. The event coordinator there is extremely snippy and rubbed many of my guests the wrong way. She was also almost completely absent from the day. We were completely on our own once the ceremony began. No one gave a signal as to when the girls should walk down the aisle and I didn't even have anyone to open the door when it was my turn to walk down the aisle. With one arm on my dad and a bouquet in the other hand, this made things rather difficult and I had to ask my photographer to open the door for me. Their poor management was extremely unfortunate since they have such a beautiful facility. Also, make sure that you know that no one will be around to help you for your rehearsal. The event coordinator will make sure that she rudely expresses to you what time you need to be out and then will disappear for an hour. If I were to do my wedding all over again, I would still choose this venue because it is unique and stunning, but I would have liked to be aware of all of these things before my actual day so that we could avoid these issues within their leadership. Therefore, I wrote this review to help any future bride! I hope it is beneficial! read more

My daughter was married there on June 6th and the venue could not have been nicer. Lorna Morgan was so easy to work with and she helped us tremendously when our DJ was late. It was nice to have the wedding and reception in the same location. The reception hall can't hold 200 people for a sit down dinner. I think we ended up with 180+ and it was tight since we wanted a good size dance floor. The pictures are so beautiful with the lighting and architectural touches. Parking is limited but we rented a Sprinter van and shuttled our out of town guests and the bridal party from the hotel which cut down on parking spaces needed. There are approved caterers you must use, and we chose Jacquies's in Zionsville and everyone RAVED about the food...I'm not kidding....on and on about the food. Anyway it was great. Wish I could add pictures. read more

Beautiful venue and wonderful staff. Very accommodating in all aspects of the wedding and was so convenient for the guests to have the ceremony and reception right in the same building - just a small drive from downtown. A great place! read more

This is a truly stunning venue for any event. We held a reception in the Cook Theater and it couldn't have been more beautiful. While the facility was certainly a show stopper, I was most impressed and grateful to the staff. Caitlin Poe was able to help guide me through the process and gave me great peace of mind as she had every detailed covered. Her knowledge was invaluable through the entire process, from the technical details to the room set up. I would highly recommend this beautiful facility. Everyone that attended the reception raved about the venue. We will be booking it again for our event next year. read more