Athenaeum Tours 2021

401 East Michigan Street,Indianapolis IN 46204

22 September, 2021

Description

On this 60-minutes guided tour, you will explore the evolution of the building from a German clubhouse to a hub of modern urban life. The Athenaeum Foundation, 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 and 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. In partnership with the Athenaeum Foundation, Indiana Landmarks proudly offers guided tours of this National Historic Landmark on Wednesdays, May through October, and two select Sundays in July and August. On the 60-minute guided tour of the Athenaeum, tourgoers will: Learn about the Athenaeum’s unique German-inspired architectural features.Explore the evolution of the building from a German clubhouse to a hub of modern urban life, with a theater, YMCA, and the Rathskeller, a restaurant/pub in continuous operation since the landmark’s earliest days.Discover how the Athenaeum was saved when it faced an uncertain future and restored, still fulfilling the role of clubhouse for cultural development and physical health.See spaces usually inaccessible to the public, including rooms overlooking the Biergarten and gym, and the theater’s stage. Please note these spaces are subject to room availability and all spaces may not be available depending on building programming.Tours depart from the vestibule inside the Coat Check Coffee entrance to the Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis. Enter using the west wing doors. With your ticket, you’ll also receive a handmade pretzel provided by the Rathskeller Restaurant at the tour’s conclusion. COVID-19 : To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we ask that tour participants who have not been vaccinated wear a face covering over their mouth and nose during the tour. Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, reconnects us to our heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservationist. For more information on the not-for-profit organization, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534. Find more at www.indianalandmarks.org.