Madam Walker Legacy Center
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This place is a true historical gem in Indy and I've had the luck to be able to plan events in this theater for my workplace. Being that I work for IU Indy, our school has hosted graduation events as well as ceremonial dinners for the past few years now. Renting space is fairly reasonable as well. Kim, the sales and event manager is amazing, she listens to the needs of clients and will get exactly what you need. The CFS team here is amazing too - they are courteous and on top of cleaning and keeping things in order before and after events. The theater is beautiful and they've done a great job keeping original architecture with maintaining renovations. My favorite spot is the small but mighty "coffee pot" lounge, it has historical significance and also hosts art shows via local artists. The ballroom is spacious with tech, lighting and AV needs with kitchen space for catering services. I cannot wait for the roof top to open soon!!
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.
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!
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.
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 Madame Walker Juneteenth Block Party features a weekend of fun for the entire family! Celebrating Juneteenth with entertainment, food, music and community sponsors.
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!
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
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.
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!
2 months ago
I had came here for a MLK event. The theater is really nice and love how it still has its historical pieces to it from when it was first made. This building is history. The seating is comfortable and any view you can see the stage great inside the building. read more
I have visited this location numerous times for different events. I really love the ambiance and the decor of the building. There is an elevator to help with accessibility needs. The staff is always professional and courteous (however I am not sure if this is the staff at the establishment or event staff). read more
This place is a true historical gem in Indy and I've had the luck to be able to plan events in this theater for my workplace. Being that I work for IU Indy, our school has hosted graduation events as well as ceremonial dinners for the past few years now. Renting space is fairly reasonable as well. Kim, the sales and event manager is amazing, she listens to the needs of clients and will get exactly what you need. The CFS team here is amazing too - they are courteous and on top of cleaning and keeping things in order before and after events. The theater is beautiful and they've done a great job keeping original architecture with maintaining renovations. My favorite spot is the small but mighty "coffee pot" lounge, it has historical significance and also hosts art shows via local artists. The ballroom is spacious with tech, lighting and AV needs with kitchen space for catering services. I cannot wait for the roof top to open soon!! read more
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. read more
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! read more
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. read more
6 years ago
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. read more
1 year ago
14 years ago
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! read more
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 read more
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. read more
15 years ago
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! read more
Did a nice tour of this historic location. I was a bit fuzzy as to Madame Walker's connection to Indianapolis but all of that was smoothed out on this amazing visit. I would recommend this for families because there is a lot for persons of all ages to learn. I also want to shout-out Mr. Ridley. He's the truth. read more
12 years ago
13 years ago
