Step inside the Scottish Rite Cathedral, and it’s easy to see why the Scottish Rite Cathedral Indianapolis history continues to fascinate visitors. As one of the most impressive Indianapolis historic venues, this iconic Masonic temple is celebrated for its remarkable Neo-Gothic architecture, and you don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate its striking beauty. The cathedral in one of the lasting places among the city’s most treasured Indianapolis cultural venues in the heart of downtown.
Today, this stunning event venue welcomes everything from private celebrations to public experiences, making it one of the most sought-after wedding venues. The building is still maintained by Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, where offer a series of guided tours around this Indianapolis landmark, exploring its grand halls and fascinating past. Alongside these experiences, the cathedral regularly hosts enchanting Candlelight concerts, where live music transforms the historic setting into an unforgettable performance space.
Background on the Scottish Rite Cathedral
The architecture
The Scottish Rite Cathedral is packed with fascinating architectural details, from its soaring 212-foot Singing Tower to more than 100 painted stained glass windows. Designed in the Neo-Gothic style, the building is filled with Masonic symbolism. Inside, highlights include a grand Elizabethan ballroom with a sprung floor and an ornate Gothic theatre inspired by Cologne Cathedral.
Its historical significance
Since opening in 1929, the Scottish Rite Cathedral has become one of Indianapolis’ most important historic landmarks and a lasting symbol of Freemasonry in Indiana. Beyond its remarkable design, it remains an active cultural venue, home to the Scottish Rite Orchestra and the Double Eagle Café, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience its rich history firsthand.
What can you do at Scottish Rite Cathedral?
The historic Scottish Rite Cathedral is best known for its elegant wedding receptions. In the past few years, it’s welcomed around 100,000 visitors through its doors, who can take a guided tour around the Cathedral. Besides marveling at its beauty, thousands of twinkling candles will be lighting up this Indianapolis landmark to provide the enchanting setting for this series of Candlelight concerts.
Plan your visit in 2026
Planning a visit to the Scottish Rite Cathedral is straightforward. Free parking is available in the West Parking Lot for members and guests attending lunch or scheduled events. All guided tours are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, costing $10 for adults and $5 for children. Before or after your tour, stop by the Double Eagle Café for a coffee or light bite while soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world’s largest Masonic buildings. Candlelight concerts can be booked in advance, simply choose your desired artist, and date, and experience the cathedral in a whole new light.
How to get to the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis
The Scottish Rite Cathedral sits just steps from American Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis, making it easy to reach by public transport. Several IndyGo bus routes, including the 2, 5, 10 and 39, stop nearby, while Indianapolis Union Station is around a 20-minute walk away. If you’re staying overnight, nearby options include the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre (0.4 miles), Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown on the Canal (0.4 miles) and Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown (0.5 miles).
Scottish Rite Cathedral is one of the many fabulous architectural triumphs of downtown Indianapolis, many of which are also Candlelight venues. They make for perfect backdrops to classical tributes celebrating iconic artists in an electrifying setting.
