Athenaeum Building Tour

Discover Indianapolis’s German roots on a tour of the historic Athenaeum building. Discover Indianapolis’s German roots at the historic Athenaeum, as guides trace the building’s evolution from a German clubhouse to a hub of modern urban life. Tourgoers will enjoy unique architectural features throughout the late nineteenth-century building, while learning how they reflect the founders’ “sound mind in a sound body” ethos. Along the way, guides will highlight the Athenaeum’s connections to the Vonnegut and Lieber families and the mark they left on the streetscape, culture, and business community in a growing Indianapolis throughout the early 1900s. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the German American influence on the city and the importance of preserving cultural landmarks. Indiana Landmarks presents these tours in partnership with the Athenaeum Foundation. Tours depart from just inside the building entrance on the corner of East Michigan Street and North New Jersey Street (401 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis).