Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium

The Gary Public Schools Memorial Auditorium was a large performance venue with a 50-foot deep stage and a 125-foot wide performance space that could seat up to 5,000 spectators. Its removable parquet floor allowed the space to be reconfigured flexibly between auditorium and sports event setups.

The building was commissioned by the Gary Land Company in 1919 to honor local students who died in World War I and opened in 1928. It became a significant institution for education and recreation in the growing industrial city.

The building served the community as a gathering place for school graduations, musical performances, and sporting events where boxing matches and basketball tournaments took place. It was an important venue where people came together to celebrate and watch competitions.

The venue was accessible and offered ample room for different types of events thanks to its flexible interior space. Visitors should note that the building had multiple entrances and exits configured for different events.

The building's facade features stone engravings reading "Athletics," "Drama," "Art," and "Music" on both sides of the entrance, reflecting the educational ideals of the era. These four pillars of culture were intentionally carved into the masonry to emphasize their importance.