An arresting silhouette on Indianapolis’s downtown skyline, the Old National Centre — historically known as the Murat Shrine — is an architectural spectacle that still thrills more than a century after its 1909 debut. Designed in a Middle Eastern–inspired idiom popular in the early 20th century, the building reads like a theatrical prologue: elaborate arches, layered ornament and unexpected flourishes promise an encounter that begins the moment you step off the street.
Arrival sets the tone. From the exterior detailing to the ceremonial feel of the entrance, the centre was conceived as an experience, not merely a structure. That sense of intentional drama continues inside, where opulent plasterwork, ornate light fixtures and richly textured finishes create a warm, inviting glow. The lobbies and corridors feel like rooms in a private palace staged expressly for performance — intimate enough to feel personal, grand enough to feel important.
But the Old National Centre is more than a pretty façade. It is a living cultural institution, a place where history and contemporary performance meet. For generations the venue has hosted touring Broadway productions, headline concerts and a variety of large-scale live events. Attending a show here is a dual pleasure: you’re drawn in by the program on stage and held by the building’s cinematic mise-en-scène. Even when the house is dark, the structure hums with the accumulated energy of decades of performances, rehearsals and curtain calls.
What makes a visit memorable
- Architectural immersion: Give yourself time before a performance to explore the lobbies and public spaces. The decorations reward a slow, curious eye — hand-painted details, intricate moldings and carefully composed lighting that reveal themselves in layers. - Live performance as history: Because the venue remains active, its history is not preserved behind glass but lived nightly. Each concert or touring show adds to the centre’s ongoing story, making every ticket both a present experience and a link to the past. - Evening ambiance: The building’s atmosphere is especially resonant after dark, when interior lights and stagework animate the ornament and create a theatrical intimacy. It’s an ideal setting for a special night out or a cultural itinerary to pair with a downtown dinner.
Practical tips
- Check the event calendar in advance: programming ranges from Broadway tours to major concerts, so planning ahead ensures you catch the performance that most appeals to you. - Arrive early: allow time to wander the public rooms and take in the architectural details before seating begins. - Combine with nearby dining: the centre’s central location makes it easy to pair a show with dinner or a pre-theatre cocktail in one of Indianapolis’s nearby neighborhoods.
Why it matters
Ranked among the city’s notable Museums & History attractions, the Old National Centre (Murat Shrine) is a rare breed: an architectural landmark that remains a working entertainment venue. Its richly ornamented design offers a tangible link to early-20th-century theatricality, while its ongoing programming keeps the building vital and relevant. For travelers seeking a culturally immersive evening in Indianapolis, this is a stop where history, architecture and live performance converge in unforgettable style.