Scottish Rite Cathedral

The Scottish Rite Cathedral is a Neo-Gothic limestone structure featuring a prominent tower and multiple stained-glass windows that filter light throughout the interior. The building contains a ballroom, a theater, and various gathering spaces designed for different functions.

The building was constructed between 1927 and 1929 under architect George F. Schreiber as a headquarters for Freemasonry. It was built during a period when the fraternity held considerable influence in the Indianapolis community.

The building displays Masonic symbols throughout its design, visible in decorative details, window patterns, and spatial proportions that shape the impression of the interior spaces. These elements tell the story of Freemasonry values to anyone who walks through the rooms.

Guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday, allowing visitors to explore the architecture including the ballroom and painted glass windows. Comfortable shoes are recommended as tours involve walking through multiple floors of the building.

The ballroom features a specialized floating floor system and a heavy crystal chandelier with hundreds of light bulbs that shimmers during dancing. This engineering solution was innovative for ballroom events when the building was completed.

Location: Indianapolis

GPS coordinates: 39.77613,-86.15799

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:43