Bier & Building Tours to offer adults-only Athenaeum experience

Indiana Landmarks and the Athenaeum Foundation are partnering to serve up a triple bill in November, offering tours of the Athenaeum and treating attendees to beer and German food during the Bier & Building Tours.

Open to people 21 and over, tours of one of Indianapolis’ most beloved landmarks will be offered on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 18-19. The tours will combine information about the history and architecture of the Athenaeum with fun activities, glimpses into hidden spaces, and stories from the building’s past.

Originally known as Das Deutsche Haus, the Athenaeum was built during the 1890s to serve as a clubhouse for Indianapolis’s German immigrants. 

Tours will last approximately 75 minutes and depart from the entrance to the Rathskeller Restaurant. Attendees should arrive 10 minutes prior to their tickets’ tour time. It should be noted that the tour requires trips up and down sets of stairs, so attendees who need accommodations for a more accessible route should contact Indiana Landmarks prior to the tour. All tour participants will be required to wear coverings over their mouth and nose at all times during the tour, except when actively eating or drinking.

Tickets for the adults-only Bier & Building Tours are $30 for the general public, and $25 for members of Indiana Landmarks. Cost includes one beverage (a pint of beer or a soft drink) and samples of five pre-selected appetizers. Tickets must be purchased at least 72 hours in advance by visiting bierbuilding2021.eventbrite.com, or by contacting Indiana Landmarks at 317-639-4534 or reservations@indianalandmarks.org. No walk-up tickets will be available.

PHOTO ABOVE: The historic Athenaeum sits at the corner of Michigan and New Jersey streets in the Mass Ave Cultural District.