About this Event
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.
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 a 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.
This experience includes trips up and down sets of stairs. If you need accommodations for a more accessible route, please alert us prior to the tour.
Tours last approximately one hour and depart from the vestibule inside the Coat Check Coffee entrance to the Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Athenaeum Foundation, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 10.00