Built 1927 (1927) Opened 1929 Phone +1 317-262-3100 | NRHP Reference # 83000136 Area 7,300 m² Added to NRHP 6 June 1983 | |
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Location 650 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana Built by Hunkin-Conkey Construction Compa Address 650 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA Architectural style Gothic Revival architecture Similar St John the Evangelis, Christ Church Cathedral, Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indiana World War Memorial, Benjamin Harrison House | ||
The Scottish Rite Cathedral is a historic building designed by architect George F. Schreiber, located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. It is owned by the Valley of Indianapolis Scottish Rite, an affiliated body of Freemasonry. It was built between 1927 and 1929 at the cost of $2.5 million. It was built with every dimension (in feet) being evenly divisible by three (reflecting the three degrees in Freemasonry), with many being divisible by 33 (reflecting the degrees a member of the Scottish Rite can achieve).
The Cathedral is one of the largest Masonic buildings, and has been described as one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in the United States The main tower features a 54-bell carillon and rises 212 ft (65 m) above Indianapolis. It also has a floating ballroom. Other features are patterned ceilings, ornate carved woodwork, and stained-glass windows. The auditorium has 1200 seats, and has been commended for the craftsmanship with which its fittings and decorations were made It also has a large pipe organ.
The main entrance, known as the Tiler's Room, is a cube of 33 ft (10 m). It features both Masonic symbols and the signs of the Zodiac.
The ballroom also embodies the number 33 by being 99 feet (30 m) square, pillars defining the dancing area as 66 ft (20 m) square, and the white oak floor panels are 33 in (840 mm) square. The chandelier has 200 lights and weighs 2,500 lb (1,100 kg). The ballroom was designed in an Elizabethan architectural style.
In a 1996 poll, the Indianapolis Business Journal found the Cathedral to be the most popular historic building in the city, and the second favorite building of any type. In recent years it has received 100,000 visitors a year.
The Valley of Indianapolis is the only Scottish Rite Valley in the nation with an orchestra in residence, the Scottish Rite Orchestra, conducted by Ill. Jeff Warbinton, 33˚. The Orchestra was founded in 1946.
Guided tours are available on weekdays and the third Saturday of each month.