Old National Centre, Indianapolis
The Old National Centre, founded in 1884, is owned by the Murat Shriners of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The theater portion of the building (now known as the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre) houses the oldest stage house in downtown Indianapolis that is still standing today. It is the only Shrine Center in the world with a French-originating name, and it is the largest Shrine Center in North America.
In 1882, five Freemasons decided they wished to see a Shrine organization in Indianapolis. The Murat Temple was built in 1909 using the designs of Murat Shriner Oscar D. Bohlen, with Middle Eastern and Egyptian stylings that were fitting for a building intended for Shriners. Its namesake is the Nubian Desert oasis Bir Murat, which was named for the Frenchman Joachim Murat, who was one of Napoleon's generals in his Egyptian campaign.
The Murat Shrine is mostly known by the people of Indianapolis for its theater, which was built in 1910. In its early days it featured Broadway plays and even a 1932 speech by Winston Churchill. Between 1948 and 1963, it was the only road show venue in Indianapolis. Before Clowes Memorial Hall opened in 1963, it was the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
The Murat Shrine gave the Indianapolis Zoo its first camel and established the 500 Festival Parade.
In 1882, five Freemasons decided they wished to see a Shrine organization in Indianapolis. The Murat Temple was built in 1909 using the designs of Murat Shriner Oscar D. Bohlen, with Middle Eastern and Egyptian stylings that were fitting for a building intended for Shriners. Its namesake is the Nubian Desert oasis Bir Murat, which was named for the Frenchman Joachim Murat, who was one of Napoleon's generals in his Egyptian campaign.
The Murat Shrine is mostly known by the people of Indianapolis for its theater, which was built in 1910. In its early days it featured Broadway plays and even a 1932 speech by Winston Churchill. Between 1948 and 1963, it was the only road show venue in Indianapolis. Before Clowes Memorial Hall opened in 1963, it was the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
The Murat Shrine gave the Indianapolis Zoo its first camel and established the 500 Festival Parade.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Old National Centre on Map
Sight Name: Old National Centre
Sight Location: Indianapolis, USA (See walking tours in Indianapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Indianapolis, USA (See walking tours in Indianapolis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Indianapolis, Indiana
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The Indigenous people had lived in this area since as early as 10,000 BC before they relinquished their tribal land to the United States, in the Treaty of Saint Mary's, in 1818. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in... view more
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Some of the best local buildings are situated along the diagonal avenues coming from Mile Square, as per the city plan laid out in 1821 by Scottish-born architect Alexander Ralston (the one who participated in laying... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles