U.S. Courthouse - Indianapolis, Indiana
Posted by: 
gparkes
N 39° 46.216 W 086° 09.459
16S E 572143 N 4402599
This building is even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside, but you might as well leave your camera in your car. Security is tight!
Waymark Code: WM76VT
Location: Indiana, United States
Date Posted: 09/10/2009
Views: 9
?This is one of those buildings that once I saw it, I knew I would have no problem writing about it!
This building is so amazing it is actually captured in two locations of the National Register. First it was added in 1974 as it's own register entries. Second, it was included with the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza District in 1989.
The building is a piece of art. An extreme amount of detail went into relief art work throughout the exterior of the structure. Four sculptures entitle Industry, Agriculture, Literature and Justice stand guard over the two main entrances on Ohio Street.
In 1938, an addition was constructed on the north end of the building. Driveways were added with this addition. In 1939, freizes were added over the driveways and were carved in place.
Beauty isn't just skin deep either. Inside the building are beautiful mosaics covering many places in the first floor. Stained glass domes allow light into the stairwells.
Only one of the courtrooms were open during my visit. On the second floor is the Ceremonial Courtroom. It is adorned with paintings and stained glass windows. The ceiling details are sure the catch your eye with extraordinary attention in sculpting and painting.
On the third floor, is an excellent example of WPA art murals. In 1935, three murals were added.
When I visited the courthouse, I did not arrange a tour. Instead I walked up to the door and asked to see the building. I was asked to present ID, go through metal detection equipment, and my camera was locked up. No photography is allowed inside the courthouse.
The link below is for the arranging a tour, and information about the courthouse. I would highly recommend this, and plan to arrange a tour myself the next time I go to Indianapolis. The link will also take you to a visitors guide which will give you an idea of what the interior does look like. To arrange a free, guided tour of the U. S. Courthouse in Indianapolis:
Phone: (317) 229-3729; or
Email: doria_lynch@insd.uscourts.gov
As I mentioned, be sure to look at the visitors guide.
Year Built: 1903
Current Use of Building: Federal Courthouse
Level of Courts: Federal
Architect: John Hall Rankin and Thomas Kellogg
Dates this building was used to house judicial proceedings: 1903 - Present
Physical Address:
46 E. Ohio Street
Indianapolis , IN USA
46204
Hours:
Monday to Friday
9:00 AM To: 5:30 PM
Related Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
At least one original photograph should be added to the gallery. And please describe your impressions and visit to the courthouse.