The Athenaeum is a well preserved beautiful piece of architecture that everyone should see or experience at least once. It houses the oldest restaurant in the city, the Rathskeller, a YMCA, and various performances in the auditorium among other notable programs. The auditorium is styled in cabaret fashion. It provides a venue in which to view performances in seating that is in rows of round tables with tiered elevation. While the capacity is a smaller to mid-venue size it is a nice space for local dance companies, theater groups, and rental for private events.
Joseph Z.
Tu valoración: 4 Carmel, IN
Great space for varying types of performances. I have been to several different shows there and all fit within the space. Located on Michigan next to the Rathskeller and not far from Mass Ave. The history of the building adds to the experience.
Ro T.
Tu valoración: 2 Indianapolis, IN
I don’t really know where to start with this venue. It’s pretty, but the setup isn’t conducive to stage performances and that’s what the majority of the events are. There is a great big stage, a few rows of forward facing seats, and then the rest of the seating is round tables and chairs. There were many seats that couldn’t really be easily utilized because the backs were to the stage and there’s a railing right behind those seats. It’s difficult to navigate through and see the stage from many seats. The people I was with all had to lean and scoot continuously during the show just to see around the people in front of us. If the layout isn’t bad enough, the staff were terribly rude. They yelled at guests, talked loudly about guests in front of other guests and had zero patience when asked questions. I’m not a fan of this venue. This was the second and last show I’ll go see there.
Logan L.
Tu valoración: 5 Hanover, IN
This place is awesome and deserves everything in the world. The people who run the building are the most down to earth people and will do anything to make you happy
Alex F.
Tu valoración: 5 Indianapolis, IN
I love coming here to work out. The athenaeum is such a great historical building g in downtown indy. But the ymca is a great place to get a great workout. I was looking for a good place to get a membership so I could workout everyday and I walked in met the employees and got a tour and loves the place. I have almost been coming everyday since then. Such a friendly staff that gives you a nice welcoming and you feel at home. They have a nice variety of card equipment and assisted weights. I have never had a problem finding what I want to use on a busy day. Clean facility.
Stephanie D.
Tu valoración: 5 Indianapolis, IN
Gotta love the Athenaeum. So much that goes here and I love it!!! It’s an absolutely gorgeous historical building that has a lot to offer. There is the Y here, plus you can’t forget the Rathskeller and it’s awesome outdoor space. If you have a chance, the theatre is a beautiful spot to see a show. I’ve been here for Optical Popsicle and Heartland Film Fest Preview throughout the years. It’s always been clean and neat. The theatre can have quite a few people and there are some awesome things that go on here. Keep an eye out for fun events and even if you don’t here for one, taking a peek around is a lot of fun!!! Worth the stop!
Tiffany B.
Tu valoración: 4 Indianapolis, IN
LOVE the A. So many interesting things to see and learn here. Many meeting rooms, inside one of the most gorgeous historic buildings in Indy. It’s becoming more of a community center, hosting lots of events. Always fun to see the place filled and swarming w/people. Events are usually catered/collaborating w/the Rathskeller downstairs. Oldest theatre in the city. Movie«8 Men Out» filmed scenes here. Fabulous staff.
Sunah K.
Tu valoración: 5 Indianapolis, IN
I had been waiting to find a show to go see here so I could check this place out, although it is open to the public and I think they have tours… But this a great little historic gem on Mass Ave. I saw Spamalot here recently(Totally blew my mind awesome for a local production!!) It was cabaret seating in the theater, which I thought was kinda cute, but you know that everyone will turn to face the stage and create more of a U at the round table… we got to our 4 person table and the couple we were seated with decided to take the 2 middle seats… seriously? awkward! Anyway, beautiful building, rich history, awesome show.
Bodie S.
Tu valoración: 4 Indianapolis, IN
The space, the structure, and the purpose – it’s all gorgeous! I love that this huge, German-style building is located in downtown Indianapolis. Accompanying The Rathskeller, these two landmarks are unreal, and hold such rich heritage. The events that happen here are always fun, entertaining, and are for good causes. I’ve been here a few times for a wedding party and GermanFest; both were incredibly enjoyable. Huge and spacious inside, this building has enough room to do just about anything. There is a wonderful outside area and an out-of-this-world biergarten when appropriate. If you live in Indianapolis and would like to relate to some old, German architecture, this is the place to accomplish that.
Molly T.
Tu valoración: 4 Indianapolis, IN
What a great space! I have been here twice now and have loved the interior design more and more each time. Velvet seats, carpeted stairs, dark stained wood… what a dream. And right below you have the Rathskeller, and right next door is the YMCA. It’s a great little hub of activity. Upstairs theatre is very beautiful, the ceiling is one of the best in the city by far. The staff that helped us set up there was very gracious and helpful. There is a cash bar usually open during events near the theatre entrance. Consider the A for your next event and you won’t be disappointed!
Wyoming L.
Tu valoración: 5 Indianapolis, IN
Last weekend I went to the Athenaeum for one of my all-time favorite ever dates. We saw a woman playing the Earth Harp while people did yoga underneath the strings that stretched from stage to ceiling. An ecstatic vocalist sang and played drums, and my boyfriend and I laid on our yoga mats up in the balcony and zoned out to all the sounds and layers of entertainment. As a venue, it was beautiful, elegant, it had a sort of intimate feel to it and the seating was raised in such a way that everybody could see without really feeling like they were in stadium seating. I love that night, much of which was due to the location, and would love to go back. Also, it’s connected to the Rathskellar so if you wanna go have a beer or some wurst afterward, you’re in prime positioning!
Lori W.
Tu valoración: 5 Carmel, IN
I was at the Athenaeum for the Oktoberfest last weekend. We had a great time. We came to participate in the Wiener Dog Races that were held during the fest. It was a wonderful dog friendly event and we will definitely be back next year. If you’ve never been to a Wiener Dog race than you are really missing an hilarious event. Also at the Oktoberfest I had the best German Potato Salad I’ve ever had in my life! Music was great in the Beer Garden too.
Jennifer S.
Tu valoración: 5 Indianapolis, IN
My first time at The Athenaeum was for my daughters performance at the 2011 Girls Rock Indianapolis Showcase. Definitely an A+ location for a venue. I loved how we could catch a glimpse of the girls pre-show as they overlooked from the balcony. The raised seating was also a big plus, ensuring a good viewing experience from each seat. The stage was large enough to get all girls up on stage for the final camp song. Overall, a wonderful experience for everyone who attended!