Madame Walker Theatre Center

617 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA

Address:	617 Indiana Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
Phone:	+1 317-236-2099
Site:	walkertheatre.com
Rating:	4.7

Location

+−

Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Mark Thomas

Defining the terms of my review, Ive just returned from a tour of the Madame Walker Theater and my sole regret is having not visited the landmark sooner. There was no stage production or even rehearsal taking place during the tour. In fact, including my guest and me, I doubt there were ten people in the structure during the two hours of the visit. What made the experience so memorable was a 91 year old docent, a D-Day veteran who spent his youth living, playing working and learning along Indiana Avenue on which the theater was built when he was only aged five. Thomas Ridley, with the recall and energy of a man half his age, described the history of the buildings namesake, Madame C.J. Walker, the nations first self-made female millionaire who, as the child of two former slaves, built a thriving enterprise manufacturing and marketing hair care and beauty products largely for fellow African-American women. The theater, however, was built five years after the company matriarch died, by her also dynamic daughter and the Indianapolis attorney who managed the company both before and after Madame Walkers death. Built two years before the start of the Great Depression, the theaters four stories rose at the center of Indianapolis thriving Black community. Mr. Ridley described how the theater showed both silent films as well as the new phenomenon of "talkies". As the Crossroads of America, Indianapolis was a regular stop for the top jazz bands of the day and Ridley believably saw them all. The architecture borrows from the flatiron style on the exterior, while the theater itself displays reminders of East Africa and Egypt, a preference of M. Walkers fashion conscious daughter, ALelia. The physical community described by Mr. Ridley is gone, an unintended consequence of desegregation in the 1950s and 60s and the unthoughtful effect of urban renewal of the 1970s. If you visit the theater, do so with an appreciation of the story represented by the building and not with the gauche idea of comparing it with some contemporary venue built with little consideration for community. If youre very lucky, Thomas Ridley will be your guide.

Brian Cummiskey

Very surprised a nice little theater exists where it does. Fun venue to rent out for a smaller play. Our school did a series of skits as a fundraiser and rented it out.

Scott Standish-Parkin

Just an amazing theater overall. The ambiance of this place is just beautiful. They had great shows here and you should at least see one of your coming into town.

Betsy Graam

Re.Kock it up.but,tii busy readinf. The syn diak.but in fut u rr .as. Addition . old is new .who knee

Clinton Kirkland

Great place to have an reception or party. Food was great and the setup of the room. Also has a nice bar.

Shaun Frederickson

This is such a cool place! Love the old theater vibe! Saw a concert here and absolutely loved the show!

Vincent Morretino

Was here to shoot a wedding reception, it was very nice inside and the food was great.

Tamala Baker

Very elegant decor in the theater and ballroom.

Frances Wilkins

Very polite people, seats are roomie