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.

June 03, 2023

Ballet INitiative puts a twist on a fairy tale classic, bringing Cinderella's Stardom to the stage! Cinderella is transformed from a simple girl to a star in this exciting brand…

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June 04, 2023

Ballet INitiative puts a twist on a fairy tale classic, bringing Cinderella's Stardom to the stage! Cinderella is transformed from a simple girl to a star in this exciting brand…

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June 11, 2023

We’re going hog wild! If you’ve never been to a real hog roast (or as the Germans call it...a spanferkel), now’s your chance! Help us ring in a new summer…

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July 08, 2023

Cereal Cinema combines two of the best things about Saturday mornings: cereal and a great movie ROOKIE OF THE YEAR A freak accident causes 12-year-old Little League player Henry (Thomas…

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September 09, 2023

Cereal Cinema combines two of the best things about Saturday mornings: cereal and a great movie EXPLORERS Young Ben Crandall (Ethan Hawke) spends his free time watching sci-fi films, playing…

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October 07, 2023

Indy's Best Haus Party Is Back! Join us on October 7 for the 15th annual GermanFest!  Again this year, we're taking GermanFest to the streets! Michigan and New Jersey Streets…

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October 14, 2023

Cereal Cinema combines two of the best things about Saturday mornings: cereal and a great movie LITTLE MONSTERS Brian (Fred Savage) isn't scared of the monster living under the bed.…

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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.