Indiana Landmarks Center

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.

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!

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.

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!

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)!

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

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!!!

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.

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.

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.