Indianapolis Artsgarden

The Indianapolis Artsgarden celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020, though interestingly enough it wasn't technically done until 2012 when a final connector allowed for tourists to access the Artsgarden from the PNC Center, Conrad Hotel, and Circle Centre. Did you know that it took 32,000 square feet of glass to make the Artsgarden? I don't think people realize just how immense it is because the space primarily used for performance is really only a modest portion of the entire facility. If you look carefully inside the crook of one of the stairwells, you'll find a 2" Buddha-like face. It's such a tiny piece of public art that even Yelper Ken N. hasn't found it yet. :) The presence of it baffled the Arts Council for years until local artist Dominic Sansone acknowledged placing it as part his an exhibit he did called "Hidden Monuments" placing smaller art around downtown Indy. Fun facts:In the past 13 years, the Artsgarden has hosted around 300 weddings. Former Pacer Rik Smits symbolically signed the first steel beam before it was placed - it happened to be exactly as tall as Smits (7'4"). The Artsgarden has a maximum capacity of 600 (standing room only) and has hosted acts like American Aquarium, Josh Kaufman, Penn & Teller, Chris Isaak, Cirque du Soleil, and the Vienna Opera Ball Orchestra. The Artsgarden is owned and operated by Arts Council of Indianapolis. It's 7-stories tall and hosts more than 250 free and public events annually. It also has monthly visual arts exhibits and can be rented for private events, weddings, receptions, and non-profit events. The Artsgarden also serves as what they call a "cultural concierge." They have a desk that is staffed during the hours the mall is open to share information about local arts. The Artsgarden is wheelchair friendly with ramps into it. The performance space is fairly easy to adapt. The Artsgarden does not have public restrooms, though the mall itself does have them. I work at the Indiana Government Center and the Artsgarden can even be reached from the government center without having to go outside. On particularly stressful days, I can often go over and enjoy music inside the Artsgarden on my lunch break. I also periodically have friends who perform in the space during lunchtime concerts. The structure itself is quite beautiful. In terms of performing in it or even renting it, they offer technical/AV support and security. The Ritz Charles and Conrad Indianapolis are the exclusive caterers for the Artsgarden. When the facility is really decked out for a formal event, it's quite remarkable. The best part of renting the space is that you're also supporting the Arts Council.

I attended a holiday concert here. The setup was beautiful and the holiday lights were a nice touch. It was easy to find and the door attendant was friendly. Following the performance we had to exit through the closed mall. Right outside the Artsgarden entrance there were many questionable individuals hanging around. Mall/Artsgarden security should be more diligent at keeping this outside.

I went to the Artsgarden for Midwest Fashion week Indy and if I am rating off of the location. It was nice. It was perfect for a fashion show with the perfect space and natural lighting to help really make the show pop. Small enough venue to have a reception or fashion show. The location is inside of the mall which did not interfere with shoppers but the set up of the fashion was confusing including the placement of the marketing team that sat directly in front of the show. Not sure how shows are supposed to be ran but it was a little confusing and visually unpleasing but that would probably have to do with those that put the show together and not necessarily the Artsgarden.I would look forward to seeing other events at this location to see how it goes but for what I went to, it was a nice location.

This is a neat place to eat your meal from the adjoining mall food court. If you're lucky, there will be some kind of free musical performance going on. Grab a seat at a table upstairs for the best vantage point.

This is a nice, unexpected area adjacent to the Circle Centre Mall. Apparently it's a venue that you can rent for events, but when we visited, it was empty except for dozens of tables, chairs and a stage. The kids we brought loved just running around inside and peering out of the huge windows that overlook the bustle of downtown. There is also a huge staircase that is fun (for kids) to go up and down, because kids like to climb stairs for some reason.There are many windows and natural light flowing into the space, and real trees strung with twinkle lights. In various display cases set up around the Artsgarden, you can see artwork from different local artists. It's a very pleasant place.

I've seen a number of reviews from folks who have held events at the Artsgarden and yes, they do have some legitimate criticisms about restrooms and access to a space suspended above the intersection of Washington and Illinois Streets.But my review is based upon the main purpose of the the Artsgarden: To showcase the local artists through a series of public performances and visual art exhibitions. It also serves as a "cultural Concierge" providing information about that arts and cultural activities in the area, making it possible for visitors to take in the events when time and money allow it.The Artsgarden is run by the Arts Council of Indianapolis. There is a lunchtime music series several times each week called "Garden Jams". Local professional musicians are scheduled to perform for the lunch hour Noon to 1 pm for no charge to the public. So, whether you are just passing through the facility from one building to another or have grabbed a lunch and decided to take a seat, there is frequently music/entertainment available. The Arts Council website has a list of performance dates and talent schedule for the month.Each month, there is also a new visual exhibit, not limited to professionals, so you may find works from emerging artists, students, and different cultural and social organizations.And I would be remiss if I didn't mention this amazing physical structure soaring seven stories into the downtown sky. Lots of glass makes excellent viewing for a birds eye view of downtown. It's one of my favorite buildings in the area.Next time you are downtown, especially for lunch, why not check out the Artsgarden for a cool place to check out the arts of Indy!Review #484

Sit in air-conditioned comfort inside a glass encasement that allows views of downtown Indianapolis. There are tables, chairs, exhibits and beautiful, live plants in this 2-level venue. There might be entertainment during the lunchtime hour. This is a relaxing place to have lunch and just rest during a busy, hot or cold day.

You might pass right through this on your way to the mall or hotel or other offerings in the area, but you might not realize it's actually a venue! There are lots of different events that go on in here. Most recently, I saw a friend perform a show for her album release. The venue is very pretty - the trees, lights, and sights outside of the venue. If you're looking to make it a private event, they will close it off so that it's as private as it can be using temporary walls and/or curtains. It's a good venue, not the best, which is why I'm giving it a four stars. Ps - look in the trees! You'll find butterflies made out of book pages. So cute!

I was so looking for to a lovely evening at the Artsgarden for an event. I've been sitting here trying to come up with reasons to give them a better review, but I really can't.The Artsgarden is connected to the mall and hotel and is not a private location. They block it off for weddings, receptions, etc but people still walk by and peek in to your event. There were also no restrooms just for our group so we had to use the public restrooms out by the food court. The elevators were also public mall elevators that everyone else was riding. Just be warned this isn't an exclusive venue.The reason I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 is because it's really pretty with the 360 degree views of downtown and the balcony area.Maybe this place is great if you're walking through the mall on a normal day, but I was not impressed with this place as a venue for an event. Womp womp.

This is a glassed in sitting area right off the Circle Centre Mall. There are plants, tons of great light, lots of tables and chairs, and art displays from local schools and artists. We spent a while sitting here with drinks from a local coffee shop- it's a lovely place to study, read, or rest your feet during a day of walking around downtown Indy.