Indianapolis residents pride themselves on the historic décor and high-energy nightlife of downtown’s most famous buildings. The Murat Shrine Temple, built in 1909, is now home to one of the popular live music and Broadway production venues available in Indy. Five local masons dreamed up the facility in 1882, and opened its doors to the public on February 28, 1910 with a total investment of only $365,000.
Architectural design influence came from extensive studies of ancient Egyptian and Arabian culture. Now called the Murat Theatre, the building boasts gigantic towers, roofs made of copper, intricate brick patterns, stained glass windows and arched entryways and halls throughout. Many who visit the structure comment on the extensive attention to detail, and the aura of being in the presence of foreign lands and history.
The Ona B. Talbot Fine Arts Association, founded in 1899, organized several concerts and live performances in the Murat Theatre. In 1911, the Murat received world recognition for showing the first real color film to the public.
After it became clear that Indianapolis indicated rising interest in live performances, an addition was built onto the Murat in 1922. The new performance stage and audience seating was housed in the Egyptian Room, which almost doubled the size of the building. Dripping in gold and crystal décor, massive chandeliers, colorful hieroglyphic-clad columns and impressive likenesses of King Tut adorn the famous
room.
After the war, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra was reformed and found a home at the Murat. The Symphony, now known as ISO, performed there until it moved to the newly built Clowes Memorial Hall in 1963.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, the Murat Theatre remained a major local theater site. Today, it serves as the stage for several performing arts acts from touring groups and local amateur groups year-round making it a popular Indianapolis attraction. The building is a prized recipient of supporting funds from the Lilly Endowment, in addition to financing from venue ticket sales.
The building faced possible abandonment in 1995 before massive renovations improved adherence to present regulations for emergency and disability needs. Increased handicap seating, parking, restroom facilities and additional refreshment stands upped the ante for patrons of the famous hall. World-class sound production and stage lighting were also added, all the while preserving 85% of the original and historical specimens. The decorative stained-glass window art, Egyptian-themed columns, sconces, chairs and light fixtures were all preserved during the makeover.
Live concerts, Broadway musicals, family-oriented productions and comedy shows are regularly hosted and featured acts in the Egyptian Room with accommodations for 2,000 people. The Murat has offered appearances by O.A.R., KT Tunstall, Missy Higgins, Rusted Root, G. Love and the Special Sauce, Ben Harper and Ryan Adams on numerous occasions during its recent history.
To learn more about the Murat Theatre and their current shows visit their website.
