Hilbert Circle Theatre: Home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Published: Oct 6, 2009
First opened to the public in 1916 as the Circle Theatre, one of the country’s first grand movie palaces, this landmark on Monument Circle was renamed the Hilbert Circle Theatre after an endowment made by Stephen and Tomisue Hilbert.
Since 1984, due to the efforts of the Indiana Symphony Society, it has served primarily as the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
When the Circle Theatre first opened, as many as 16 theatres of various types existed within what’s been known as “the Mile Square.” After the 1979 demolition of the former Colonial (Fox) Theatre (built in 1909), the Circle and the Murat (also built in 1909) have become the oldest remaining theatre buildings in the city.
The Hilbert is also one of the oldest structures fronting on Monument Circle, with Christ Church Cathedral (1860) and the Indianapolis Journal Building (1897) the only two that predate it.
To the architecturally educated, the Hilbert is a standard example of the Neo-Classical Revival style. The lobby, promenade, mezzanine and house are accompanied by a series of Greek figurine paintings, and moldings and details are set in Neo-Adamesque style.
The Grecian pastoral scene above the entry at the front of the theatre was "painted" using tinted cement by artist H.A. Wheeler. The Hilbert was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
In the fall of 2009, the 13-manual Wurlitzer organ, which had been dismantled and unused for decades, was once again unveiled and will now be used as a part of regular musical performances.
The historic Theatre's intimate size (1,781 seats) and customized stage area suited to the ISO’s 87-member ensemble provide a premium venue for live performances of many kinds. For information about performances or rental space, contact the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
- by Jim Brown , Indianapolis Reporter for HelloMetro
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