Public Bier & Building Experience Tours

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. Indiana Landmarks and the Athenaeum Foundation are partnering to serve up a tour of the Athenaeum—one of Indianapolis’ most beloved landmarks—and treating attendees to beer and German food.

Open to people 21 and over, 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.

Tours last approximately 75 minutes and depart from the entrance to the Rathskeller Restaurant. Attendees should arrive 10 minutes prior to their tickets’ tour time. It should be noted that the tour requires trips up and down sets of stairs, so attendees who need accommodations for a more accessible route should contact Indiana Landmarks prior to the tour. All tour participants will be required to wear coverings over their mouth and nose at all times during the tour, except when actively eating or drinking.

TICKETS: Must be purchased at least 72 hours in advance by contacting Indiana Landmarks at 317-639-4534 or reservations@indianalandmarks.org. No walk-up tickets will be available.