Indianapolis downtown‘s Massachusetts Avenue is well-situated for Indianapolis tourism, close to all the major downtown Indianapolis attractions. Simply referred to by locals as Mass Ave, this extraordinary section of Indianapolis is a centerpiece for the arts, Indianapolis culture, eclectic Indianapolis shopping and Indianapolis nightlife.
First conceived in 1821 as an important connector to downtown Indy, Massachusetts Avenue was a busy, vital part of the city, with streetcars and buses servicing the area. During the period between 1870 and 1930, Mass Ave became the place to go to shop and the place to be for commerce. But the advent of Interstate-65 struck a severe blow, since it all but isolated the district.
Aesop’s Table on Mass Ave
Not willing to allow the Mass Ave sector to wither away, locals started pouring in money, energy and ideas. What they came up with was the Mass Ave cultural district as it is today, a vibrant center for the arts, interesting real estate and unusual commerce, with the slogan, “45 degrees from ordinary.” In fact, Mass Ave is the official center for the arts in Indy, due largely to the energetic efforts and productions of the Theatre on the Square.
Mass Ave has its own listing in the National Register of historic places.
Read more about fascinating Mass Ave Cultural District.
Athenaeum on Mass Ave
Care, Don’t Care, Public Art on Mass Ave
Chatham Home on Mass Ave
Chatham Tap on Mass Ave
Chatterbox Jazz Club on Mass Ave
Historic Firehouse museum on Mass Ave
Flying Cupcake Bakery on Mass Ave
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail runs through Mass Ave
A view of the Indianapolis downtown skyline on Mass Ave
Giant painting of Kurt Vonnegut on Mass Ave
Mass Ave Toys on Mass Ave
Downtown Indianapolis condos on Mass Ave
The Art Bank Indianapolis art gallery on Mass Ave
A view of the Old National Center on Mass Ave
People gathering outside Silver in the City on Mass Ave
Old Point Tavern on Mass Ave
Mural on Mass Ave
Silver in the City on Mass Ave
Stout’s Shoes on Mass Ave
Yats Cajun Restaurant on Mass Ave
Public Art in Indianapolis on Mass Ave
Sculpture on Mass Ave
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