Union Station

I love nothing more than a unique venue with endless possibilities (bonus brownie points if it has historical charm), so it’s no surprise I fell head over heels in love with Grand Hall at Union Station when I attended a Creative Mornings talk.
In the good ol’ days, this is where travelers waited for their trains. It opened in 1888, and looking around you can sense the history and visualize a black and white photo of Union Station in its glory days. When train travel went by the wayside, Grand Hall was left abandoned and dilapidated until it was transformed into a shopping mall + food court in the 1980s. When Circle Center Mall opened up and stole the thunder, Grand Hall was remodeled to become the gorgeous event space it is today.
This is a great example of a historical building that in many ways has remained the same but has changed its purpose to meet the needs of the time. A lovely venue for a large seminar, annual meeting, or wedding.
I highly recommend you check out Union Station and also take a peek at the train car hotel rooms at the adjacent Crowne Plaza. Take a step back in time and reimagine Indy as the crossroads of the country — by train, that is!

What a beautiful venue! It is a melancholy visit, though. I remember coming here back in the day, when it was newly remodeled… lots of incredible shops, bustling with activity. There’s magic in those walls — this is a GREAT spot for an event. It is historical and elegant.

The history and character of the building certainly add to the charm of this venue, but even if it were brand new, it would be a beautiful place to host a wedding or other special event!
The staff is friendly and accommodating.
The food is above-​average for banquet food. I’ve had plated and buffet-​style here, and both were better than normal for weddings. I realize that isn’t necessarily saying much, but I’ve been pleased with all of the food I’ve tried.

I was at the Big Ten party here and it’s a gorgeous facility. I didn’t even know a place like this existed in Indianapolis. It reminded me a little of the main hall of the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, which is also a converted train station.
I would certainly go to more events held here.

One of the most beautiful spaces in the city – awe inspiring and thought provoking. Great for events if you want to make an impression. An incalculable number of people have passed through this space since it opened in 1888. Indianapolis had the first Union Depot/​Station in the world, but this building is the 2^nd incarnation. Always love attending events here.
History on it: