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Madam Walker Legacy Center

4.4 (23 reviews)
Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Services - Madam Walker Legacy Center

Community Service/Non-Profit

Venue rental

Madam Walker Legacy Center Photos

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Recommended Reviews - Madam Walker Legacy Center

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Ro W.

I attended the Art & Soul showcase where they four amazing artists in the city that received a grant. They definitely could've charged more for the tickets. I was amazed by the talent. I was picked to speak on the mic against my will but it was a great time. I don't like speaking on the spot. There was music, artwork, and an amazing designer that showcased her dresses made from paper and hair to the photo booth. You had to be there. Again, Congratulations to everyone. You did an amazing job.

The Dance No.3
Shahn F.

Cool vibe for the art show by Israel Solomon! Nice chill music, wonderful fellow art lovers, and both the artist and his lovely wife are so sweet! The space for the show was very well selected and the set up with a cash bar and nice wide hall gave perfect gazing distances for the art displayed!

Ashley D.

Yesterday evening Saturday March 16th I had an opportunity to attend my first Opera performance as well as it was my first time ever at the historic Madame CJ Walker Theatre Building. I do know the building has been remodeled, however I could tell what was the original architecture designs in the beautiful Madame CJ Walker Building. I love the theatrics masks along with the other sculptures that's in the Theater. Now, the actual Opera Yardbird my first time ever experiencing that in person was really beautiful to see the Opera Singers perform. If, you've never been to the historic Madame CJ Walker Theatre Building I highly recommend you go. Lastly, the building is in the heart of Indiana Avenue which used to a booming area back in the day in the black community.

Richard P.

To say that I'm a fan of the Madame Walker Legacy Center would be an understatement. As a child, my father was in charge of the general contracting crew that participated in the Walker Theatre's extensive renovation. It began a longtime love affair with the building, its history, its legacy, and the legacy of Madame C.J. Walker herself. Madame Walker became America's first self-made millionaire, a success resulting from her hair care products and investments in real estate. The glorious building is located within the heart of the Indiana Avenue historic area and is, no doubt, the heart of the unfortunately rapidly changing area that truly represents the best and brightest of Indy's Black history - especially that of the early 20th century. The building is listed on the Register of National Historic Landmarks and is pretty much the surviving legacy of the iconic Indiana Avenue. The building was once the headquarters and manufacturing plant for Walker Hair Care and Beauty Products and maintains much of the history and original 1927 architecture. Even back then, it became a multi-purpose building that would also hold a drug store, offices, ballroom, beauty school/salon, restaurant, and theatre. As one could expect from an early 20th century building, access is not as comprehensive as one might like. There's a small elevator that does provide access to the floors, though within the floors you certainly have areas that require creativity for those in wheelchairs. Anytime I've gone to the building, they've been a delight and always willing to help the best they can. A sort of museum to Madame Walker herself requires a step, though some accommodation is available with advanced notification. They have a wonderful parking lot, though it's monitored somewhat carefully for attendance at the actual building given the rarity of free parking anywhere near downtown Indy. The theatre itself is magnificent, an older stage with an old school deep pit. While anyone with a wheelchair would actually struggle to get on the stage, the auditorium itself is simply beautiful. Ordinarily, I knock off a star when a building has accessibility issues. However, historic buildings are exempt from ADA and I've consistently had positive experiences with this building in terms of staff and people doing the best they can with a challenging, historic building. As a graduate of Martin University myself, Madame Walker's legacy is one I've long been aware of and appreciated. As this area deals with the potential addition of nearby apartments, I'm also aware of the difficulty in maintaining both history and the economic progress cities always want. The Grand Casino Ballroom has hosted a myriad of big names including Patti LaBelle, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Bolton, Nat King Cole, and others. I don't get to the Walker as often as I'd like, though I've also attended a Yelp event here, a couple concerts, toured their museum, and visited a business or two. At one point, I seriously considered trying to locate an office here. This remains one of my favorite spots in Indy, a true legacy of Indy's Black history, jazz history, and the iconic Indiana Avenue of the past. If you've never had a chance to check it out, I highly recommend it.

The 3-day block party
Brenda J.

The Madame Walker Juneteenth Block Party features a weekend of fun for the entire family! Celebrating Juneteenth with entertainment, food, music and community sponsors.

Jimi D.

What a wonderful facility! And then for it to be named after such a phenomenal woman!!! Awesomeness!!! The structure and "old feel" is very welcoming and inviting. I didn't realize how much HISTORY was embedded within the walls of this legendary building, but I feel enriched to have been able to gain more insight about the building, and the woman it was named after. I attended a work function in the 4th floor ballroom (which was very conducive for networking). We had a large meeting space, and our own private bar lounge as well. Although we did not have business in the auditorium, I was also able to view that space. I was amazed at the architecture. To actually see all of the Egyptian and African influences around the theater was truly remarkable! I will absolutely return again, and view with a new sense of appreciation!

TOMMY o.

I was quite surprised that they have a Huge Ballroom upstairs on the other side of the theater, which I've not been in. They have a mini Handicapped elevator into the Ballroom, you will need to walk up a few steps in that bathroom, it is a vintage building and they are working on it. They cater. Fabulously as well

Tree lighting
Jemmie W.

Historic theatre. I have lived in/around Indy for almost 11 years and had never been here. The story of Madame Walker as the first self-made female millionaire in the US is an added bonus and is quite inspiring. The theatre itself is kind of old, but that's part of its charm. It may be the antithesis of, say, Carmel's Palladium in many ways. I hope it survives.

Ill H.

The new Madame Walker Theatre is where its at! They have some dope events(Soul Food Fridays, Blue Moon Sunday, etc.) and bring some dope celebrities (Hill Harper, Bilal, Tye Tribbett, Malik Yoba). They are also a great place to hold an event. The staff is like family and they make sure you feel welcome whenever you go there!

The theater itself.  I would love to see an event from one of these seats.

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14 years ago

A gem of a theater. Saw John Waters' one-man show there and it was the perfect intimate venue.

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Review Highlights - Madam Walker Legacy Center

As a graduate of Martin University myself, Madame Walker's legacy is one I've long been aware of and appreciated.

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Allison Mansion

Allison Mansion

(2 reviews)

Allison Mansion is, at least in my opinion, deceptively ordinary on the outside. Oh sure, it's a…read moremansion and you can tell it's a mansion. However, looking on the outside can't begin to prepare you for the wonder of what's on the inside of this former residence that now serves as the Office of the President for Indy's Marian University. The mansion was first built by James Allison, co-founder of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500. The ceiling's Tiffany stained glass windows allow the sun to shine brightly inside. The mansion's most impressive room was, in fact, originally designed as a marble aviary by Allison to contain his wife's exotic bird collection. The 2-story, red-brick arts and craft style home continues to have an expensive chandelier imported from Germany, a sunken conservatory, and a 2-story pipe organ. Seriously. The property itself is remarkable. Atop a cliff that overlooks a wetland, the property includes greenhouses, ponds, and orchards. Seriously, I would become Marian University's president just to spend time in the office. Allison passed away in 1928 and the property remained unsettled until it was acquired by the Sisters of St. Francis - the founders of Marian University. At one point, public tours were offered but this is no longer the case. You can, however, rent it for events (which is how I've been inside, though it's definitely not wheelchair friendly in any real sense).

Circle City Tours took a roll through private Catholic Marian University and my eyes feasted upon…read morethe beautiful Craftsman Allison Mansion. One reviewer stated "The Allison Mansion remains perfectly restored and beautiful to an almost eerie degree." Eerie alright--there is a disquiet about the Mansion: it is said to be haunted! Builder James Allison was a wealthy man and founder of the Indianapolis Speedway and Allison Engineering Company. The mansion was built between 1911 and 1914 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Allison died young from pneumonia at age 56. The mansion was later sold to what is now Marian University,. However, many locals and visitors feel that Allison never really left the building! Most stories claim Allison still haunts the mansion, rearranging books in the library and furniture as he sees fit. But there are other ghostly goings-on here: the spirit of a little girl who drowned in the basement pool still lingers around the mansion. "Visitors claim to have seen the ghost of a little girl and even heard shrill screams and heartbreaking cries from the basement. Voices in the attic have also been reported," said www.onlyinyourstate.com. I can understand the ghost of Allison hanging around: this place is plush! No expense was spared while building the two-story, red-brick, arts-and-crafts-style Mansion. The exquisite marble aviary was built for Allison's first wife's exotic bird collection, Also impressive: the expensive chandelier imported from Germany, a sunken conservatory, and a magnificent music room with a two-story pipe organ. Outdoors, enjoy lush gardens, manicured lawns, greenhouses, ponds, and orchards that overlook a wetland now restored and maintained by Marian University. Upon Allison's death, there was some concern about the historic property's fate. Bless the Catholics: Allison Mansion was eventually acquired by the Sisters of Saint Francis, who also founded Marian University. Allison Mansion is still part of the university. It is open for public tours and can also be rented for private events. The Mansion is a feature on annual Halloween Ghost Tours. 5 YELP STARS for spooky spectacular!

Tinker House Events

Tinker House Events

(47 reviews)

Had a great time at a special event hosted at Tinker House Events. The bottom floor had an open…read morespace for gathering, a bar space, and a patio then the dinner took place upstairs. It easily fit over 200 people and the bar was a really interesting look. The staff was incredible as well!!

Back in 2023, I attended a lively event hosted at Tinker House Events in the heart of downtown…read moreIndy. It was one of the most memorable Pride events I've been to presented by Indy Pride due to the unique venue and atmosphere. This past Wednesday, I had another opportunity to visit Tinker House for a Sound Bath presented by BFF Indy. It was a very different experience as the intention was a more meditative one opposed to a party with a DJ the last time I was there. It was still daylight when I arrived and mostly empty which made it convenient and ideal to explore the bridal suite and take pictures of the venue without any obstructions. The Sound Bath was held on the dance floor with lots of natural light surrounding us. I love the idea of the Sound Bath in this fun space. Although, I've had them in the past at a yoga studio which was MUCH quieter. My constructive criticism is that there is too much noise coming from the traffic outside (especially because this was at 5pm during rush hour) even on the second story of the building to relax and get the full benefits of a Sound Bath. There were no blankets, pillows or yoga mats either which isn't necessarily the responsibility of Tinker House but still something to be noted for future events. BFF Indy should have given attendees a heads up to bring their own supplies because sitting on a hard wood floor where people dance and walk on with shoes that have just been outside downtown is rather off putting and took away from the overall experience. The facilitator did an amazing job all things considered. I will go back for events in the future just not if they are supposed to be relaxing. Tinker House is ideal for social gatherings like weddings and parties. The decor is aesthetically appealing and very well thought out. There is a ambient bar/lounge on the first floor in addition to the one upstairs. There is limited parking in front of the building and a coffee shop next door.

The Nest Event Center - Inside their new location

The Nest Event Center

(4 reviews)

Wow!! What a transformation!! I haven't seen this building since it was Jonathan Byrd's restaurant…read more The exterior is now black and white which is very classic and understated. The Nest Event Center is located in Greenwood just off I-65 at Main Street. The parking lot is quite large and will accommodate a large event. The interior is amazing and you'd never know it was a former restaurant. The lobby area is very attractive, decorated in beiges and cream, and I could see using this for cocktails, a reception line plus so much more. It worked well tonight for purchasing tickets plus an area to sit and relax while enjoying the fireplace. The versatile ballroom is quite large and can handle everything from a wedding, conference to special events. One of those special events is the Holiday Craft Show tonight. The Event Center has a neutral color scheme and can accomadate most bridal or conference color schemes. This proved to be true with all the colors associated with the Holiday Craft Show. Tonight all different color schemes were used and all the crafts looked wonderful. With this neutral backdrop any decor theme would work nicely allowing brides or companies a great deal of flexibility and creativity. The Holiday Craft Show was a huge draw. Many different types of vendors filled the ballroom carrying Christmas decor, wreaths, jewelry, clothing, wool mittens, woodworking projects, signs, candles, crocheted items, lap blankets, floral arrangements and much more. There truly was something for most anyone's interest and many gift ideas. In the future I would like to take an official tour and checkout pricing for a yearly event I'm involved with. This is a beautiful venue with endless potential.

This is an absolutely amazing event center. It is an absolutely stunning location and the staff are…read moresecond to none! They are so helpful and nice and go above and beyond in making your event absolutely perfect! The location is absolutely perfect for any event you might have, weddings, birthdays, anniversary's, literally anything. There is only one issue that I have with the nest. I had never believed in the supernatural before... but this place is indisputably haunted. There is absolutely no question about it! But don't let that deter you! The haunting spirits just add to the charm and fun of this event center. I hope you have an amazing event!

Union Station - Window

Union Station

(10 reviews)

Mile Square

I love nothing more than a unique venue with endless possibilities (bonus brownie points if it has…read morehistorical 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!

Spent a day here for a friend's wedding. The architecture reminds me of the Great Gatsby. And on…read moreone of the flights of stairs, you can see the wear on the stone of where people have climbed the stairs over the years, which is cool. It seems like a place that has a lot of history.

Madam Walker Legacy Center - theater - Updated May 2026

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