The Name Says it All!

In partnership with Indiana Landmarks, we proudly offer guided tours of our National Historic Landmark. 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.

For those guests that are 21+, the Bier & Building Tours will combine information about the history and architecture of the Athenaeum with fun activities, glimpses into hidden spaces, and stories from the building’s past. Originally known as Das Deutsche Haus, the Athenaeum was built during the 1890s to serve as a clubhouse for Indianapolis’s German immigrants.

December 15, 2023

Ballet INitiative’s Nutcracker with a Twist brings Sugar and Spice to a holiday favorite! Follow the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker doll, with a twist. At a Christmas…

Find out more »
December 16, 2023

Ballet INitiative’s Nutcracker with a Twist brings Sugar and Spice to a holiday favorite! Follow the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker doll, with a twist. At a Christmas…

Find out more »
December 17, 2023

Ballet INitiative’s Nutcracker with a Twist brings Sugar and Spice to a holiday favorite! Follow the classic story of Clara and her Nutcracker doll, with a twist. At a Christmas…

Find out more »
January 27, 2024

Party like it’s 1399! Celebrated by pre-Christians as a means of driving out winter and evil spirits and welcoming in the springtime—in part through the role reversal of masters and…

Find out more »
March 02, 2024

Do you love to play euchre?  Are you a fan of great locally distilled whiskey?  Do you have an interest in historic Indiana landmarks?  If you answered “yes” to any…

Find out more »

Athenaeum Foundation401 EAST MICHIGAN STREET
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204
317.655.2755

Our Mission

The Athenaeum Foundation preserves a treasured historic landmark that welcomes all to nurture a sound mind and a sound body through arts & culture, wellness and community.

The Athenaeum Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.