The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Indiana
Nestled just a short drive west of Indianapolis, the Indiana State Capitol building offers a striking introduction to the state’s architectural heritage. Located in downtown Indianapolis, this Renaissance Revival structure impresses visitors with its stately limestone façade and soaring dome. Inside, the building’s intricate woodwork, marble floors, and stained-glass windows tell a story not only of government but of craftsmanship from the late 19th century. Touring the Capitol provides a hands-on way to experience Indiana’s political history framed by grand architectural design. Visiting in the spring or fall reveals the surrounding Capitol grounds at their most picturesque, with blooming gardens or vibrant autumn leaves enhancing the stately presence of the building.
Travel about an hour south to New Harmony, a small town near Evansville that holds a unique place in American architectural and social history. Founded as a utopian community in the early 19th century, New Harmony is a living museum of early American design and planning principles. Walking through the Harmonist Labyrinth or the Roofless Church, visitors see how architecture was used as a tool for communal living and spiritual expression. The Roofless Church’s open-air concept is especially compelling on sunny days when the sky becomes part of the structure itself, blending natural light with minimalist concrete and steel. This town’s blend of historic buildings and progressive design ideals makes it an irreplaceable stop for architecture enthusiasts.
On the northern edge of the state, about 15 minutes east of South Bend, the Oliver Mansion beckons with its opulent Gilded Age style. Built by industrialist Joseph Oliver of Oliver Chilled Plow fame, this mansion is a masterpiece of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture. Visitors can explore rooms filled with original woodwork, stained glass, and intricate tile fireplaces that showcase craftsmanship rarely found in modern homes. The 34-room mansion’s grandeur contrasts sharply with the surrounding Midwest plains, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Indiana’s industrial elite. The mansion is particularly atmospheric in late autumn when the fading daylight filters through the stained glass, casting colorful patterns on the wood-paneled walls.
Further east, in the college town of Bloomington, the Lilly Library on the Indiana University campus offers a more contemporary architectural highlight. This building blends modernist elements with traditional collegiate Gothic style, creating a dynamic space that reflects the university’s intellectual vigor. Inside, the library’s soaring reading rooms, expansive windows, and intricate masonry foster an inspiring environment for study and reflection. Architecture lovers appreciate the way the building’s design balances form and function, with its clean lines and thoughtful use of natural light. Visiting during the academic year allows you to witness the library in full use, surrounded by the energy of students and scholars.
A drive northeast of Indianapolis brings you to the city of Anderson, home to the Paramount Theatre, an Art Deco gem that transports visitors back to the 1920s. This beautifully restored venue, located about 40 minutes northeast, is one of Indiana’s finest examples of period theater architecture. The ornately decorated interior features bold geometric shapes, intricate ceiling murals, and lavish use of gold leaf, all hallmarks of the Art Deco movement. Attending a live performance or film screening here immerses visitors not just in entertainment but in a rich architectural atmosphere that feels like stepping into a bygone era. Evening visits capture the full effect of the theater’s dazzling lighting and lavish details.
Southwest of Indianapolis, the town of Columbus stands as a must-see for fans of modern architecture. About an hour’s drive, Columbus boasts a collection of over 70 public buildings designed by some of the 20th century’s most notable architects, including Eero Saarinen and I.M. Pei. The First Christian Church, designed by Saarinen, is a standout with its soaring parabolic arches and minimalist interior that emphasize light and space. Walking tours here reveal a remarkable concentration of architectural innovation rarely found in a city of its size. Visiting in the warmer months enhances the experience, as the landscape and natural light play against the clean lines and concrete textures of these buildings.
Rounding out the journey, the West Baden Springs Hotel in West Baden Springs, about two hours south of Indianapolis near French Lick, showcases Indiana’s contribution to grand resort architecture. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” for its enormous free-span dome, the hotel is a breathtaking example of early 20th-century engineering and design. The gleaming glass dome, spanning over 200 feet without internal supports, creates a massive indoor atrium filled with lush gardens and natural light. Visitors can stroll the elegant public spaces, marveling at the combination of Beaux-Arts grandeur and innovative structural engineering. The hotel is especially magical during the winter months when the indoor gardens offer a tropical escape from the chilly Midwest weather.
Each of these destinations reveals a different facet of Indiana’s architectural identity, from historic political monuments to utopian communities, Gilded Age opulence, collegiate innovation, theatrical glamour, modernist ambition, and grand resort luxury. Traveling through the state with an eye on these buildings and spaces offers a vivid portrait of how Indiana’s communities have expressed their values, aspirations, and creativity through architecture. Whether it’s the delicate stained glass of a mansion or the sweeping curves of a modernist church, these real places invite visitors to experience the artistry and history embedded in Indiana’s built environment.