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.

March 24, 2023

Sponsored by the AAF, the American Advertising Awards honor excellence in advertising and cultivate the highest creative standards in the industry. With 60,000 entries, the American Advertising Awards are the…

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March 25, 2023

Do you believe in ghosts? Have you dreamed of being a paranormal investigator? Are you ready to meet the spirits who've been living in our building for over 100 years?…

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March 26, 2023

The Inner Beauty Pageant was established in 2002 by Chrystal Hines, President/CEO.  The Inner Beauty Pageant is committed to encourage and inspire young ladies to value their inner attributes in…

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April 15, 2023

St. Benno Fest is BOCK and better than ever! Join the Athenaeum in the Rathskeller on Saturday, April 15 as they celebrate a classic German-American event over 110 years in…

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April 15, 2023

Big Man on Campus presented by Zeta Tau Alpha Lambda Epsilon is taking place on Saturday April 15th at 7pm at the Basile Theatre at the Historic Athenaeum in Indianapolis…

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April 30, 2023

The Soul Lounge Band Presents: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin Indianapolis, get ready for an evening of powerhouse vocalist covering the best of Aretha Franklin’s greatest hits. This show is…

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May 13, 2023

Cereal Cinema combines two of the best things about Saturday mornings: cereal and a great movie CARS In a world where the towns are peopled with cars, and even the…

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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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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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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.