Madame Walker Theatre Center

The Madam Walker Legacy Center occupies a four-story, 48,000-square-foot landmark building on Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis — a National Historic Landmark completed in 1927 and designed by the architectural firm Rubush & Hunter. Built to honor Madam C. J. Walker, the pioneering African American entrepreneur and philanthropist, the building served for decades as the world headquarters of her manufacturing company and as the social, entertainment, and commercial heart of Indianapolis's African American community. The building's architecture is one of its most distinctive qualities: African, Moorish, and Egyptian motifs woven into Art Deco styling make it among the few remaining African Art Deco structures in the country. The Walker Theatre anchors the building with 935 seats, a grand stage, pipe organ lofts, and an orchestra pit. The fourth-floor Grand Casino Ballroom accommodates up to 300 guests for receptions or 200 for banquet-style dinners. The Memorial Boardroom provides an intimate conference setting for up to 16 attendees. Following a major renovation completed in 2020, the center continues to host private events, wedding receptions, business seminars, and onstage showcases, while advancing its mission of cultural education and community engagement in partnership with Indiana University Indianapolis.