POV: First Mezzanine Center Left, Row EE WOW, first time here for the Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert. It was such an amazing experience and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra played a phenomenal performance. Jack Everly is so engaging and cheerful! We got dressed up to the nine and it just felt so right in such a historic and beautiful theater. We enjoyed the concept of the themed-drinks and the atmosphere inside. Would definitely return! read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Beautiful performance of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Nice venue. The seats are old and dated. I am excited to come back someday. read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Box seats - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I have been here only a couple times so far, but I love the symphony and I'd like to attend more concerts. This place is absolutely beautiful, and every person working there that I've interacted with is very professional and helpful. Heads-up: if you are running late, you may not be able to get to your seat until the intermission out of respect for the show- Make sure you arrive on time. Also, if you valet your car there, the line to retrieve it can be very long after the concert. read more

In particular this review is for the annual Yuletide Celebration at the Hilbert Circle Theater. If you get a chance to attend this event you won't be disappointed. It is two hours of holiday celebration for all ages. There are parts of the show that repeat each year like the night before Christmas and they add new acts each year too and different hosts. This year the hosts were Ashley Brown and Curtis Bannister. Their voices are amazing. There are several different parking garages within a two block radius or you can be dropped off at the front door. There is an intermission to enjoy coffee, cocktails, cocoa, waters, and yummy Christmas cookies. It's a great excuse to wear your holiday best. We love this show. read more

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What a beautiful theatre, inside and out. I've seen Hilbert Circle Theatre many times from the outside, whenever I happen to be at Monument Circle. Just recently, though, I got to go inside for a concert. I've officially lived in Indiana for 10 years as of 2025, and I finally visited this iconic Indianapolis theatre. I guess this makes me somewhat more of a Hoosier? Hilbert Circle Theatre was built in 1916, and it really feels like a relic of its time. This is the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and I was here for one of the ISO's Uncharted concerts: Bartok x Bjork. My seats were great -- several rows from the stage. I walked around the theatre a bit, and discovered that really, there wasn't a bad seat in the house. There is plenty of seating, but it feels intimate. Before the performance, there was a DJ in the auditorium spinning all of the late-Gen X and early-Millennial faves (Portishead and Oasis on the 1s and 2s, of course). There were also little beverage booths to grab a drink. The drinks were a little pricey ($12 for maybe-a-6-ounce plastic cup of cheap red wine!), but that's par for the course with these kinds of places. I was a little concerned about where to park, because there is zero chance I would find parking on Monument Circle. But my worrying was for naught. Just go to the Express Park Garage (20 N. Pennsylvania St.), which is attached to the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Once you park in this garage, you can walk to the theatre without leaving the parking garage -- it has its own entrance. Parking was $10; just make sure to keep your ticket with you. read more

Had a wonderful experience at Hilbert Circle Theatre. It's a beautiful vintage venue that's clearly been well maintained over the years. The architecture and overall atmosphere give it a timeless feel that you don't get in newer concert halls. Yes, the seats are a bit dated - but honestly, that's part of the charm. It adds to the character of the space rather than taking away from it. The orchestra here also puts on great performances, which really elevates the whole experience. Overall, this is definitely a must-see when you're in Indianapolis. A classic venue with a lot of personality. read more

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We saw the Uncharted: Beethoven x Beyonce series. It was really really good, the mixture between the modern and classic music blended so well! Only complaint was the lines in the bathroom and bar area was a bit unorganized read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I came here to see the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and it was a delight! The view even from the back of the first floor is amazing, with very little obstruction from the balcony overhang. The acoustics are great, without being too loud or overwhelming. Parking around the theater is the available street parking around the Monument circle area. I recommend arriving early for that reason. I remove one star only because the bar service at intermission is somewhat slow, and could possibly have better delegation for telling people which lines might be the fastest, for both entrance security and the bar line. read more

The best place for music in the Circle City! The Hilbert Circle Theater is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city. The acoustics are absolutely sublime and the ambiance immediately puts you in the mood for musical brilliance. From the grand lobby to the swirling dual staircases, the Hilbert Circle Theater is everything you want your music house to be. If you have the opportunity to hear the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra here, take it! It will be a night you won't soon forget. The building is ADA accessible with ramps, elevators, widened entrances, accessible seating, and more. The restroom facilities are spacious and always clean & tidy. This is one of Indy's Best of the Best. read more

The Hilbert Circle Theatre was all decked out for the holiday and Yuletide Celebration. My wife and I agreed that this year's show was one of the best ever. Frankie Moreno was the host and was incredible throughout the performance. When Jack Everly is behind the baton, it's going to be outstanding. The three identical triplets, MOIPEI, were new this year and amazing singers. The second act was amazing with a POLAR EXPRESS tribute. Nick Hodge was unbelievably impressive with a Cyr Wheel acrobatic show reminding me of CIRQUE du SOLEIL. However, ISO's performance with a synchronized light show was unlike anything I have seen. I hope this is a segment that becomes a return feature year after year. read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Front of theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Every time I've been to this theater in the past decade, I come away feeling like I've stepped back in time, to a place where the performing arts and the venue combine to provide a personal experience. The annual Yuletide Christmas show is what usually brings us back, and stepping inside reminds me of the old-style theater where I saw movies as a kid. To anyone visiting Indianapolis, I can highly recommend coming here for a show. read more

I was here to attend the annual Yuletide Celebration. It was Sandi Patty's final year as the host and everything was magnificent! From the tap dancing Santa's, to the incredible dresses Sandi wore, everything was amazing! I love the hot chocolate stations they had on each level. The orchestra by Jack Everly was phenomenal! They had fun interacting with the audience. It definitely added to the Christmas experience. Although Sandi will not be hosting, I hope whoever they get will be just as awesome! read more

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Having lived in Indianapolis for over 20 years you would think I would've visited the Hilbert Circle theatre but this was my first visit to a performance at this venue. I entered and was blown away by the beautiful interior and classic architecture that you just don't see anymore. I went for the annual Christmas concert and everything from the singers and dancers to the orchestra were amazing. I felt like I was at the best Christmas show ever. I highly recommend the Christmas show and any event at this venue. I know the Orchestra uses this as their main performance venue as well. read more

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I was not in attendance to the show on 10/25 however I was in the are La when I met a very hostile valet drive for the theater that called me a dumba$$ shortly after saying I could park but needed to be quick. After an exchange of words he came over and ripped my door open to my truck. Very rude very aggressive and honestly unprofessional. read more

I have attended a variety of events at Hilbert Circle Theatre, a downtown Indianapolis icon on Monument Circle that serves as the home base for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra while also hosting a variety of other events throughout the year. The theatre was built in 1916 in a Neo-Classical Revival style and can seat 1,660 people. The theatre offers its hall, lobbies, and Wood Room for rent. The theatre includes a main floor, balcony, and stage terrace. There is a parking garage connected by covered awning. For most events, you can expect to pay $10, though there may be some variation. Seating for the event is comfortable and there is accessible seating available. The front entrance has your typical wooden doors (with glass in the center). Given the age of the building, it's not surprising that these are heavier than usual doors, though during event nights they are often open. Anyplace you need to go for a show is accessible. I've actually never been backstage, so I can't speak to accessibility of the stage itself. The Hilbert Circle Theatre hosts ISO shows, Yuletide Celebration, the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, and educational programs. Mayor Hogsett had his inaugural event here that I also attended. The acoustics here are sublime and ideally suited to an orchestra. I attended a Bobby McFerrin/ISO concert here that was amazing even when it was just McFerrin's voice. If you're like me, you tend to love the older theatres and the Hilbert Circle Theatre is very much one. I did an event not only ago where I wheeled around Monument Circle a couple hundred times and each time I passed the theatre I just had to stop and look at it. Irvington Group artist Clifton Wheeler designed the pastoral-themed mural over the marquee. In 1928, the theatre played host to Indy's first ever film with sound - The Jazz Singer (No, silly. Not the Neil Diamond one). By the 1940's, the theatre was hosting big bands. The theatre fell into disrepair in the 1970s before ISO decided to call it home in 1982 and opened there in 1984. It was renamed the Hilbert Circle Theatre due to the generosity of Stephen and Tomisue Hilbert. In 2013, the theatre replaced its hall seating with a grant from Lilly Endowment that increased comfort and accessibility while maintaining its historic integrity. You can also arrange for a tour of the Hilbert Circle Theatre. read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Myself with a friend attending Mayor Hogsett's inauguration at the Hilbert Circle Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

It was so nice to come back to the Hilbert Circle Theater for Yuletide celebration after being shutdown for the pandemic. The Theater is a beautiful facility that is home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The Christmas decorations are always a joy to see and admire for Yuletide celebration. The picture opportunities with the reindeer and gingerbread man are a delight as well. The staff is very friendly and professional, especially the ushers in the theater. They do a wonderful job escorting you to your seat in the theater. The interior of the theater is gorgeous and the orchestra does a wonderful performance every single night. I'm so glad this theater is back open and performances are taking place. It is nice to bring the sympathy back to Indianapolis! read more

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This is a beautiful old theater, and the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. It also hosts the number of shows and events throughout the year and is a great place right in the center of Indianapolis. it has been renovated a few times, and could probably use some renovation now. But I know they are working on improving it, making it better. It has a beautiful stage area and a couple meeting rooms. It has a couple bar areas that can be used for various reasons. The staff here is very friendly, very helpful and answers all your questions with ease. As the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, they do a number of concerts throughout the year, including pops concerts, classical concerts and also host a number of individual musicians. They are an incredible orchestra and deserve as much attention as they possibly can get. We are so lucky in Indianapolis to have such a wonderful orchestra. I was a part of a Hennessey party here during the All-Star game as well as attending a number of concerts and other special events. All of them were handled well, I felt safe, and really felt as if this was a special place. read more

I love coming to the symphony! I'd recommend checking it out at least once for a show. I've been to a few shows, and even a wedding! My latest trip was for the film series that's been running a few times a year. This show was for the Harry Potter and the deathly hollows part one. I loved it! This was my first time seeing a show like this. The movie plays on a large screen on the stage and the ISO plays musical scores during parts of the movie and softer music to "narrate" I love it and wish I could see all movies this way. The theater is historical, but well maintained very beautiful to look at. A fun perk is that they have a bar that you can get some local beers or domestic, plus wine, and mixed drinks. Popcorn was an option which was a nice Addition to the film theme. read more

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We can't wait to make this an annual tradition. Yuletide Celebration was a phenomenal experience. The costumes, sets, music, singing, dancing and everything was spectacular. The venue is regal and truly in awe of this years show! read more

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Hilbert Circle Theatre is such a treat. I grew up attending Yultetide (the amazing, annual Christmas show) every year and always looked forward to dressing up and getting to attend the theatre on Monument Circle. The one with the shiny, twinkle lights outside. The theatre itself is decadent and exciting to visit. The experience is truly regal, as it's a treat to simply be in the gorgeous building, much less get to attend a show. I recently attended a Happy Hour at the ISO show and had such a blast. There was a large audience of young professionals, and the place was bumping. There were local food and drink booths and it made it a celebration before the concert even started. I've been super impressed with the ISO and this theatre recently especially! I feel like they keep growing and hosting just the coolest events: they have had a series of movie/orchestra collaborations. They've been playing the Harry Potter movies and having the ISO play during the classical music moments. Such a cool idea. They also have events for children, lunch-time concerts during the summer, and so many more. Definitely check them out if you've never been. read more

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Love attending this establishment every year for the Yuletide Christmas celebration. The staff is so welcoming and helpful from the time you arrive to helping locate your seat. There's an intermission where you can get a beverage, anything from coffee, wine, or water. They also sell individual packaged cookies. Bathrooms are always clean and parking is close. If you park in the Hilbert garage you can enter the theater without having to go outside which is nice! Highly recommend attending something here :) read more

I visited Hilbert Circle Theater for this year's Yuletide celebration. Sandi Patty did an excellent job both hosting and performing in this year's Yuletide Celebration. Besides all the great music, my personal favorites of the night were the aerialist and the tap-dancer/drummer duo. There were even a few times throughout when "snow" started falling from the ceiling -- so festive! And, as many times as I've been in this theater, on this latest visit it struck me how beautiful and well-planned of a venue it is. Not a bad seat in the house. All in all, the Yuletide Celebration was a very entertaining event. I don't think it's something I'd keep attending on a yearly basis, but I'd highly recommend it as a fun family-friendly holiday activity to attend at least once. read more

Fairly new to Indy, made 2 visits to Hilbert Circle Theater. A very historic location built in the early 1900s, the level of detail is visible through the historic architecture. I attended the event by Indiana Symphony Orchestra and I was impressed with both the performance and the location overall. Well maintained and is located in the heart of downtown. If anyone appreciates art and history this is definitely a must visit place. read more

Attended my first orchestra event here last night. I liked that there is a parking garage that is connected by a covered awning. I feel $10 dollars is a little steep for parking but I guess you are paying for the convenience. The theatre was beautiful and had very comfortable seating. Buying drinks was a breeze as well, the bartenders provided quick service. I did feel that the "fine" 4 dollar chocolates that were being sold should not be sitting out, uncovered on the counter during flu season, but maybe that's the germaphobe in me! I do also feel the bathrooms could use some love to make sure every stall has a coat hook. There were a couple that were broken off. Overall, we had a good experience here. I'm definitely going back! read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This place is amazing and fantastic. We enjoyed the Yuletide Celebration so much. We were invited by som friends and didn't really know what to expect. However, after watching the show and listening to an epic symphony, we want to do our best to make this be part of our Christmas season with our grandkids. The theater is beautiful. Thank you for a wonderfully amazing afternoon! (I wish there was more in the advertising about parking in the area though. The valet service was great but I could do my own parking for my budget.) read more

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Can't believe there are so few reviews of ye ole Hilbert. Let me tell you 5 reasons I believe this place is so magnificent: 1.) historical and timeless facade facing out onto Monument Circle (love seeing old pictures of the Circle with the Theatre's exterior frozen in time) 2.) bathrooms with gobs of stalls 3.) young audience shows (thank you ISO) like Rogers&Hammerstein screenings with live orchestra, Time For Three (Happy Hour at the Symphony), Pops Series and more 4.) side rooms that can hold smaller events overlooking the Circle 5.) hard to find a bad seat in the theatre. The room reeks of old time class. read more

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Hilbert is an Indianapolis classic and a genuinely lovely theatre. The acoustics are incredible, the structural and stylistic integrity of the building is excellent, and the shows are absolutely stunning. Home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, they offer a wide variety of shows, from their Pops series to classical performances. I've been lucky enough to attend shows at Hilbert with regularity my whole life and can honestly say that there are no bad seats at this theatre. Our usual season ticket seats are set far back and to the side, but we are always able to see and enjoy the sights and sounds of one of Indy's gems. If you have children and/or want to get into the holiday spirit, the Yuletide celebration is always an excellent way to ring in the holiday season and features incredible talent from soloists, choirs, dancers, and other performers! I would also recommend checking out the Pops series if you aren't super into classical music because they often host Broadway stars, era-specific groups, and even do shows where they play along to popular movies! Get yourself to Hilbert and enjoy the experience of sitting back in their comfy seats and soaking in the joy that they always give off during their performances. You'll want to go again and again! read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - View from the back left corner of the ground floor - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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I come here often to enjoy a large variety of shows... from classical to pops series. Experienced the Russionseries, as well as the Yuletide celebration and even a Beatles cover band with the orchestra. My most recent visit was Casablanca. I hadn't seen this movie in many years and to see it with the ISO playing the movie score live... wow.. The events here are always great. The staff is great and helpful. The building itself is worth seeing and the interior is simply marvelous. read more

If you're heading to Hilbert, you're about to have one classy evening (or day) downtown. It's right on the Circle...and I mean right there. You walk out and BAM there's the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in all its glory. I haven't had trouble finding a parking spot w/ all the parking garages surrounding the venue. Its convenient location makes it easy to do dinner + a show in one shebang! The staff is the nicest and will always escort you to your seats...and not to mention every seat is grand. I prefer the main floor, but perhaps that's because I can score $10 ISO tix w/ my student ID :) It's historic and swanky, but not too upscale or old-moldy by any means. Plus, every time I've been here the performers & conductors engage w/ the crowd. I always leave here with a smile on my face and my toes tapping! read more

A lovely theater in a cool part of town. Great place to see a show.

I'm an Indy native and have never stepped foot into the Hilbert Theatre until today. I came to see the Yuletide and it was spectacular. All of the staff were so helpful and professional. The theatre itself is beautiful and so cozy. I loved my experience here! read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Waiting for Yuletide to start :) - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Such a beautiful venue on the lively Monument Circle! The ISO is an incredibly talented group of musicians. One of my favorite events at the Hilbert Circle Theatre have been "happy hour at the symphony" where the venue partners with local restaurants and Stella Artois to have an evening of music, food sampling, and drinks! What I appreciate about HCT is that they are always looking to put on unique events for the community of Indianapolis--such an Indy cultural staple! read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Love the Valentine's Day decor! - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I came here to see the Kendrick Lamar mashup and boy it was amazing! The venue it self is impressive. It has the ability to hold true character and transform into a modern theater once the show began! Impressive. They have the nicest people checking you in and that's always a nice touch. The bar had a small but mighty selection, offering craft beers, wine and cocktails. Certainly worth a visit, they often have something that attracts all crowds so don't let the idea of classical music keep you away. read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This was my first time attending the ISO and it was wonderful! Thank you Yelp for the tickets! I used to play the violin when I was a little girl and the sound of the instruments was indescribable! I loved the ambiance! They have a small gift shop you can purchase souvenirs from. They also have a bar that serves wine, martinis, beer, champagne, and soft drinks. Across the way is a coffee stand that serves coffee and pastries. Prices at both stand were steep in my opinion. read more

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We went to the theater for the Yuletide celebration. The word magical is all I can think of to describe the evening. Beyond the show the staff was wonderfully friendly, they were so helpful whenever we had questions. I would never hesitate to go see another performance at this theater, simply because the staff was so wonderful especially to first timers like ourselves. read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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What a beautiful, historic theater with gorgeous architectural features, wide main isles and fairly comfortable seats. I don't think there is a bad seat in the theater. This stunning theater is impressive even without an event but glorious with the Orchestra. Several parking garages are within walking distance and it's convenient to drop off guests directly in front of the theater on the Circle. Many restaurants are within walking distance making it effortless for dinner before the performance. The lobby is beautiful but not huge and often gets very congested at peak times. You can order beer, wine and mixed drinks at the lobby bar and they accept cards or cash. Depending on the events snacks or some treats may be available. The lobby is marked well to help identify where seats are located. The staff has always been friendly and helpful finding seats when necessary. We have attended several events here over the years; the Symphony performing Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Trek: 50th Anniversary, Concerts, many Yule Tide Celebrations, a couple of the Heartland Film Feasts and a few other performances. Each has been enjoyable and we never tire of this stunning theater. Checkout the different performances throughout the year and find an excuse to visit this stunning theater. read more

Hilbert is truly an awesome venue with a lot of charm. In addition, there isn't a bad seat in this theatre! So no matter your price point, you will get a great show. I especially enjoy the "Happy Hour" shows where ISO brings in musical guests. The crowd consists of many young professionals and has a more laid back feel. Tickets are around $30 and includes delicious appetizers from local establishments, as well as beverages from Stella Artois. This past week Rhinegeist was also on hand with drinks. Doors open 1.5 hours before the ISO perform. I would recommend arriving when the doors open to reserve a seat (all tickets are general admission) and then partaking in food and bevs. read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Wonderful performance hall. We enjoyed the symphony with the Disney classic Little Mermaid movie as the back drop. Our front row center seats made us feel like we were in the movie and symphony. At intermission we decided we'd try to get seats a little further back so we could see the musicians in the back and the full screen, so the head usher let us move to open elevated theater box seats. The parking was very convenient connected to the hall and available across the street as well. Not the stuffy symphony crowd you might expect, everyone was so nice and we love the conductor and have our own favorite musicians - So much fun! read more

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Great location on the circle, had a wonderful time here seeing the ISO perform Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Just awesome! - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I've now been to the ISO three times and I'm already planning on going back again. Every time I've gone, the staff has been very helpful and courteous. The venue itself is beautiful and the acoustics are great - not the best in the world or anything but certainly very, very good. 4 stats for the acoustics and the extra star for the great staff. If you like music at all (especially classical), I would highly recommend that you check the calendar and find a show that you think you'll enjoy. It is definitely worth checking out. read more

Hilbert Circle Theatre - Some of the beautiful designs on the walls inside - Performing Arts Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana