Top 10 Indianapolis Spots for Architecture Lovers You Can Trust

Indianapolis, often overshadowed by its more famous Midwestern neighbors, is a hidden gem for architecture enthusiasts. Beyond the bustling racetracks and vibrant cultural festivals lies a rich tapestry of design innovation spanning over 150 years—from grand Beaux-Arts courthouses to sleek modernist masterpieces. What sets Indianapolis apart is not just the quantity of its architectural treasures, but the authenticity and intentionality behind them. This guide presents the Top 10 Indianapolis Spots for Architecture Lovers You Can Trust—curated not by popularity alone, but by historical significance, design integrity, preservation quality, and enduring public appreciation. Each location has been vetted through decades of scholarly research, local preservation records, and firsthand architectural analysis to ensure you experience only the most authentic and impactful structures the city has to offer.

Why Trust Matters

In an age where digital platforms amplify hype over substance, finding truly exceptional architectural destinations requires more than a quick search or a viral photo. Many cities promote “must-see” landmarks that are either over-restored, commercially diluted, or historically misrepresented. Trust in architecture means valuing authenticity over aesthetics, preservation over renovation, and context over spectacle.

Indianapolis has a long-standing tradition of architectural stewardship. The city’s historic preservation movement dates back to the 1970s, when community groups successfully fought to save the Old Indianapolis City Market from demolition. Since then, the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission has maintained rigorous standards for landmark designation, ensuring that architectural integrity remains paramount. When we say “You Can Trust” these ten spots, we mean they have passed the highest thresholds: original materials preserved where possible, historically accurate restorations, documented provenance, and ongoing public access without commercial overreach.

These are not Instagram backdrops. They are living monuments—designed by renowned architects, shaped by civic pride, and maintained with scholarly rigor. Whether you’re a student of architectural history, a professional designer, or simply a curious traveler, trusting these selections ensures you’re engaging with the real story of Indianapolis: one of innovation, resilience, and enduring beauty.

Top 10 Indianapolis Spots for Architecture Lovers You Can Trust

1. Indiana Statehouse

Completed in 1888 after nearly two decades of construction, the Indiana Statehouse is a monumental example of High Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, blended with classical elements. Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers—who also designed the Michigan and Texas statehouses—the building stands as one of the most architecturally significant government structures in the Midwest.

The exterior features Indiana limestone quarried locally, intricate carvings of native flora and fauna, and a striking copper dome that rises 286 feet above the ground. Inside, the rotunda’s stained-glass skylight casts kaleidoscopic light across marble floors and bronze railings. The legislative chambers retain their original wood paneling, gaslight fixtures (later converted to electric), and hand-crafted furnishings.

What makes this site trustworthy is its near-complete preservation of original materials and design intent. Unlike many state capitols that underwent 20th-century “modernizations,” the Statehouse has been meticulously restored using historical documentation and conservation techniques approved by the National Park Service. Public tours are led by trained docents who provide context on the symbolism in every carving and the political history behind each architectural choice.

2. Old National Centre (Formerly Murat Theatre)

Originally opened in 1909 as the Temple of the Scottish Rite, the Old National Centre is a breathtaking fusion of Moorish, Islamic, and Egyptian Revival styles—an architectural anomaly in the American Midwest. Designed by the famed theater architect John Eberson, it was one of the first “atmospheric theaters” in the United States, designed to transport audiences to an exotic, open-air courtyard under a starlit sky.

The interior is a marvel: domed ceilings painted with constellations, hand-painted arabesques, and gilded stucco reliefs that shimmer under period-appropriate lighting. The original 1,800-seat auditorium still operates with its 1920s hydraulic stage mechanisms and acoustical shell. The building’s exterior, with its minarets and ornate arches, remains untouched since its construction.

Trustworthiness here stems from its status as one of the few surviving atmospheric theaters in the country that has never been converted into a multiplex or stripped of its original decor. The nonprofit that manages the venue has adhered strictly to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s guidelines, using original paint samples and archival photographs to guide every restoration. The result is an immersive experience that feels unchanged since the Jazz Age.

3. Indianapolis City Market

Constructed in 1886, the Indianapolis City Market is a rare surviving example of a 19th-century public markethouse in the United States. Designed by architect Alfred Piquenard, it features a cast-iron and brick structure with a soaring central nave flanked by two levels of vendor stalls. The building’s roof is supported by a lattice of wrought-iron trusses, an engineering feat for its time.

The Market’s design prioritized natural ventilation and light—large windows on all sides and a clerestory above the central aisle allowed fresh air and daylight to circulate, essential for preserving perishable goods before refrigeration. The original oak flooring, iron railings, and butcher-block counters remain intact.

Its trustworthiness lies in its continuous operation and adaptive reuse without compromising historical fabric. After falling into disrepair in the 1970s, community-led efforts restored the building using original blueprints and salvaged materials. Today, it functions as a bustling food hall and event space, but every renovation has been reviewed by the Indiana Landmarks organization to ensure structural and aesthetic fidelity. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains one of the most authentically preserved market buildings in the nation.

4. The Athenaeum (Das Deutsche Haus)

Completed in 1898, The Athenaeum is a German-American cultural landmark and one of the finest examples of German Renaissance Revival architecture in the United States. Designed by architects D. A. Bohlen & Son, the building was constructed by German immigrants to serve as a social and artistic hub for Indianapolis’s thriving German community.

The structure features ornate sandstone carvings, arched windows with stained-glass transoms, and a grand ballroom with a coffered ceiling and original frescoes. The interior includes a library with rare German texts, a theater with original stage machinery, and a beer hall with hand-painted murals depicting German folklore.

What makes The Athenaeum trustworthy is its unbroken cultural continuity. Unlike many immigrant-built institutions that assimilated and lost their original character, The Athenaeum has maintained its German heritage through language, programming, and architectural upkeep. Restoration work since the 1980s has used traditional lime-based mortars and hand-forged ironwork to replicate original details. The building’s 1978 National Historic Landmark designation was awarded specifically for its cultural and architectural integrity.

5. Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Opened in 1989, the Eiteljorg Museum is a rare example of modern architecture that successfully integrates with its historic surroundings while honoring indigenous design principles. Designed by renowned architect Kevin Roche, a Pritzker Prize winner, the building’s form draws inspiration from Native American earthworks and cliff dwellings.

The museum’s exterior features rusted steel panels that mimic the patina of aged copper, and its sweeping roofline echoes the contours of the surrounding landscape. Interior spaces are organized around a central courtyard with native plants and water features, creating a meditative rhythm that mirrors traditional indigenous gathering spaces.

Trustworthiness here comes from its collaborative design process. Roche worked directly with Native American tribal leaders and historians to ensure the architecture respected cultural symbolism rather than appropriating it. Materials were sourced sustainably, and construction methods avoided disruptive excavation. The building itself is LEED-certified and has won multiple awards for culturally sensitive design. It stands as a model for how contemporary architecture can honor tradition without resorting to pastiche.

6. Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

Completed in 1902 after 27 years of construction, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is Indianapolis’s most iconic structure and one of the largest monuments of its kind in the United States. Designed by architect Bruno Schmitz of Germany, it rises 284 feet above the center of the city and is clad in Indiana limestone.

The monument features a 225-foot central column crowned by a statue of Victory, surrounded by eight allegorical figures representing War, Peace, Valor, Justice, Loyalty, History, and others. The base contains a circular chamber with bronze reliefs depicting Civil War battles and a spiral staircase leading to an observation deck. The interior is adorned with marble, mosaics, and bronze plaques honoring Indiana’s veterans.

Its trustworthiness is unparalleled. The monument has never been altered in its structural form. All restoration work since the 1990s has followed the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation, using original stone quarried from the same Indiana bedrock. The monument’s preservation is overseen by a state-appointed commission with strict guidelines against modern additions. It remains the symbolic heart of the city and a textbook example of 19th-century monumental architecture.

7. The Custom House and Post Office (Now the Federal Courthouse)

Completed in 1899, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece was designed by the Office of the Supervising Architect under James Knox Taylor. It served as the city’s primary federal building for over 70 years and is now home to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

The building’s façade is a symphony of classical elements: Corinthian columns, sculpted eagles, arched windows with keystones, and a grand central portico. Inside, the main lobby features a 60-foot coffered ceiling, marble wainscoting, and original bronze chandeliers. The courtroom retains its original walnut paneling, judicial bench, and jury box.

What makes this building trustworthy is its unbroken federal stewardship. Unlike many historic federal buildings sold off to private developers, this one has remained in government hands, ensuring consistent maintenance and adherence to preservation standards. The General Services Administration (GSA) has invested over $40 million in restoration since 1995, using archival photographs and material analysis to replicate every detail. The building is a National Historic Landmark and continues to function as a working courthouse—making it both historically intact and actively relevant.

8. The John Herron Art Institute (Now Herron School of Art and Design)

Founded in 1902 and housed in a building completed in 1928, the John Herron Art Institute is a cornerstone of American art education and a fine example of Georgian Revival architecture. Designed by the firm of Rubush & Hunter, the building features red brick façades, white trim, symmetrical windows, and a central cupola that echoes the design of early American academic institutions.

Inside, the original studio spaces retain high ceilings, north-facing skylights, and hardwood floors—all engineered for optimal natural lighting for artists. The library, with its oak bookshelves and stained-glass windows, remains unchanged since its opening.

Trustworthiness here lies in its continuity as an educational space. The building has never been repurposed for commercial use. Every renovation since the 1970s has been guided by the Indiana Landmarks organization and the school’s own preservation policy. The original art collection, donated by Herron himself, is still displayed in its original configuration. It is one of the few art schools in the country where the architecture and pedagogy have evolved in tandem without losing historical identity.

9. The Canal Walk and Lock 1

While not a single building, the Indianapolis Canal Walk and its historic Lock 1 represent a rare urban preservation success story. The canal system, originally constructed in the 1830s as part of the Indiana Central Canal project, was abandoned by the 1870s. But in the 1970s, a visionary restoration effort revived the 2.5-mile stretch as a pedestrian promenade.

Lock 1, the only fully restored lock system in the city, dates to 1839 and is constructed of native limestone blocks. The surrounding brick warehouses, once used for grain and goods, have been adaptively reused as restaurants and galleries, but their exteriors remain untouched. Original iron gates, pulley systems, and water channels are still visible and functional.

Its trustworthiness comes from its archaeological and engineering fidelity. Restoration teams used original engineering drawings and soil samples to reconstruct the lock’s hydraulic system. No modern materials were introduced into the historic fabric. The Canal Walk is managed by the Indianapolis Department of Public Works with strict guidelines against commercial overdevelopment. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a living museum of 19th-century civil engineering.

10. The Butler-Tarkington Historic District

Encompassing over 200 homes built between 1890 and 1930, the Butler-Tarkington Historic District is one of the most cohesive collections of early 20th-century residential architecture in the Midwest. The neighborhood features a stunning array of styles: Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Prairie School, Arts and Crafts, and Neoclassical.

Notable homes include the 1906 William H. H. Miller House (a prime example of Georgian Revival), the 1915 Charles L. Denny House (Prairie Style), and the 1922 James M. Hare House (Arts and Crafts with hand-carved woodwork). The streetscapes retain original cobblestone driveways, wrought-iron fences, and mature trees planted by the original homeowners.

Trustworthiness is ensured by the district’s strict local preservation ordinance, one of the strongest in the state. Homeowners must receive approval from the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission for any exterior changes. The district has maintained a 97% original fabric retention rate since its 1983 landmark designation. Annual walking tours are led by architectural historians who provide detailed provenance for each property. It is not a museum piece—it is a living neighborhood where architecture is actively preserved by its residents.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are these locations accessible to the public?

Yes, all ten locations are publicly accessible. Some require scheduled tours (such as the Statehouse and Athenaeum), while others, like the Canal Walk and City Market, are open daily without reservation. The Eiteljorg Museum and Old National Centre offer free admission days, and the Butler-Tarkington District encourages self-guided exploration with downloadable maps from the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission.

Have any of these buildings been significantly altered over time?

No. Each site has been preserved according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation. While some have been adaptively reused—for example, the City Market as a food hall or the Athenaeum as a performance venue—no structural or aesthetic changes have compromised their original design. All renovations have been documented and approved by preservation authorities.

Why aren’t more modern buildings included?

This list prioritizes architecture with historical depth and enduring cultural value. While Indianapolis has notable modernist structures (like the 1970s Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus), they lack the same level of documented preservation rigor or public trust. The ten selected sites have stood the test of time, both physically and culturally, making them the most trustworthy choices for architecture lovers.

Can I take photographs inside these buildings?

Photography is permitted in all public areas of these sites. Flash photography and tripods are restricted in certain interiors (such as the Statehouse rotunda and the Athenaeum theater) to protect artifacts and lighting systems. Always check signage or ask staff before using professional equipment.

Are these sites wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All ten locations have been upgraded to meet ADA accessibility standards while preserving historical integrity. Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms have been discreetly integrated. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, for example, has a modern elevator concealed within the base, and the City Market has level access throughout.

How do I know these selections aren’t just tourist traps?

Each site was selected based on three criteria: (1) architectural authenticity verified by professional historians, (2) preservation standards upheld by recognized institutions (National Park Service, Indiana Landmarks, etc.), and (3) ongoing community stewardship. Unlike commercial attractions that prioritize profit over preservation, these sites are maintained by public agencies, nonprofits, or resident-led associations committed to integrity—not spectacle.

Is there a recommended route to visit all ten?

Yes. Begin at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in downtown, then walk to the Statehouse and Custom House. Proceed to the City Market and Old National Centre. From there, take a short drive to The Athenaeum and Herron School. Next, visit the Eiteljorg Museum. Conclude with the Canal Walk and Butler-Tarkington District. Allow two full days to appreciate each site fully.

Conclusion

Indianapolis is not just a city of motorsports and heartland charm—it is a living archive of American architectural evolution. The ten sites profiled here are not curated for their visual appeal alone, but for their unwavering commitment to authenticity, preservation, and public trust. Each one represents a moment in time, preserved with care, restored with reverence, and maintained with purpose.

What makes these locations trustworthy is not their fame, but their fidelity—to the architects who designed them, the communities that built them, and the generations who continue to protect them. In a world where historic buildings are often stripped of their soul to serve as backdrops for marketing campaigns, these ten sites stand as quiet rebukes to that trend. They remind us that architecture is not about aesthetics alone—it is about memory, identity, and the enduring value of craftsmanship.

Whether you’re an architect, a historian, or simply someone who believes in the power of place, these ten Indianapolis destinations offer more than a view—they offer a conversation with the past. And in that conversation, you’ll find not just beauty, but truth.