If you’ve ever driven down North New Jersey Street and thought you stumbled into a fever dream of Middle Eastern architecture in the middle of Indiana, you aren't alone. That massive, ornate building with the minarets and the stained glass is the Old National Centre Indianapolis. Most locals just call it the Murat. Honestly, calling it a "theater" is a bit of an understatement because the place is a sprawling maze of different rooms, vibes, and history that dates back to 1909. It’s the oldest stage house in downtown Indianapolis. It’s also one of the busiest.
Walk inside and the smell hits you first—that specific mix of old velvet, floor wax, and popcorn. It's cozy. It’s also kinda intimidating if you get lost in the hallways between the Egyptian Room and the main theater.
The building was originally built as a Shrine temple. The Shriners (the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) wanted something that made a statement, and they definitely succeeded. They went with the Moorish Revival style, which explains the domes and the intricate tiling that looks more like something out of Morocco than the Midwest. Over a century later, it’s survived near-demolitions, name changes, and the shifting sands of the music industry to remain the heart of Indy’s live entertainment scene.
The Identity Crisis: Murat vs. Old National Centre
There is a weird tension in Indy regarding what to call this place. In 2010, the naming rights were sold, and it officially became the Old National Centre. But if you’ve lived here for more than twenty minutes, you probably still call it the Murat Temple or just the Murat. Old habits die hard.
It’s named after Bir Murat, an oasis in the Libyan desert, which was named after a French general. Layers on layers. The name change was basically a business move to keep the lights on and the renovations flowing. Keeping a building that size from crumbling into a pile of antique bricks is insanely expensive. Old National Bank stepped up, and while the branding is everywhere now, the soul of the building hasn't changed much. It still feels like a secret club where you might accidentally stumble into a Masonic ritual while looking for the bathroom.
Three Venues Under One Roof
One of the biggest misconceptions for first-timers is that they think they’re just going to "a theater." In reality, the Old National Centre Indianapolis is three distinct venues. You’ve got the Murat Theatre, the Egyptian Room, and the Deluxe.
The Murat Theatre is the crown jewel. It seats about 2,500 people. This is where the big Broadway tours like Wicked or The Lion King setup shop for a week. The acoustics are surprisingly tight for a room built before microphones were a standard thing. The sightlines are generally great, though if you’re sitting in the way back of the balcony, you’re basically in another zip code.
Then you have the Egyptian Room. This place is legendary for mid-sized rock shows. It’s a flat-floor room mostly, which means you’re standing. It’s loud. It’s sweaty. It’s perfect. The walls are covered in authentic-looking Egyptian motifs—hieroglyphics, statues, the whole bit. It’s arguably the most famous room in the building because it captures that specific energy of a sold-out concert where everyone is packed in together. It holds about 2,000 people, but it feels way more intimate when the bass starts rattling the floorboards.
Finally, there’s The Deluxe. This is the basement spot. It’s smaller, holding around 400 to 600 people. If you want to see a band before they blow up and start playing arenas, you see them in The Deluxe. It’s got a bit of a "club" vibe compared to the grandiosity of the rooms upstairs.
The Weird History You Won't Find on the Ticket
The Shriners didn't just build this place for concerts. It was a social hub. There’s a massive basement, hidden rooms, and corridors that feel like they belong in a spy movie. Back in the day, the building housed a bowling alley and a billiard room.
In the 1990s, the building was in rough shape. There was a real fear that it might be torn down. Indianapolis has a history of occasionally knocking down its most beautiful old buildings to make room for parking lots (RIP to the original Travis Mansion). Thankfully, a massive renovation project in the mid-90s saved it. They restored the murals, fixed the crumbling facade, and modernized the backstage areas so they could actually handle modern touring rigs.
The building is also rumored to be haunted. Ask any stagehand who has worked a late shift there, and they’ll tell you about weird cold spots or the sound of footsteps in the balcony when the house is empty. Whether you believe in ghosts or just think old buildings make creepy noises, the atmosphere at 2:00 AM in the Murat Theatre is undeniably heavy.
Parking and the "Naptown" Logistics
Let's talk about the part everyone hates: parking.
The Old National Centre has its own parking lot, but it fills up fast. Like, really fast. If you aren't there an hour before doors, you're going to be circling the blocks of Mass Ave looking for a spot. The good news is that the venue is right at the end of the Massachusetts Avenue district.
If you're smart, you park a few blocks away, grab dinner at a spot like Eagle or Bakersfield, and then walk over. It saves you the headache of trying to exit the official lot at the end of the night, which can feel like a slow-motion demolition derby.
Why the Old National Centre Still Matters in 2026
With the rise of massive outdoor amphitheaters and shiny new arenas, you’d think a century-old brick fortress would struggle. It’s the opposite. People are craving spaces that have "texture."
There is something about seeing a show at the Old National Centre Indianapolis that a modern stadium can't replicate. When the lights go down and the gold leaf on the ceiling catches the glow of the stage, you feel the history. You aren't just sitting in a plastic chair; you're sitting where people have been watching spectacles for over a hundred years.
The venue has also been a major player in the "Live Nation" ecosystem, which means they get the talent. You get a mix of legacy acts, cutting-edge indie bands, and massive comedy tours. It’s the versatility that keeps it relevant. One night it's Jerry Seinfeld, the next night it's a Swedish death metal band. That's the Murat's secret sauce.
Practical Insider Tips for Your Visit
If you’re heading to a show, here are the "pro" moves to make your life easier.
First, check which room your show is in. I’ve seen people stand in the wrong line for 30 minutes only to realize they were at the Theatre entrance when their ticket was for the Egyptian Room. Look for the signage near the marquee.
Second, the bag policy is strict. This isn't a "bring your backpack" kind of place. They usually follow the clear bag policy or have very specific size limits. Don't be the person who has to walk three blocks back to their car because their purse was two inches too wide.
Third, if you're in the Egyptian Room and you want a good view but don't want to be crushed in the "pit," head for the sides. The acoustics are still solid, and you can actually breathe. If you're in the main Theatre, the "mezzanine" seats are often better than the back of the floor. You get a better perspective of the stage production.
Actionable Steps for Attending a Show
To ensure the best experience at the Old National Centre, follow this checklist before you head out:
- Verify the Room: Double-check your digital ticket. "Murat Theatre" means seated; "Egyptian Room" usually means standing.
- Pre-Book Parking: Use an app like ParkWhiz or SpotHero to find a garage nearby if you don't want to gamble on the venue's main lot.
- Arrive Early for Security: The lines can snake around the building. Give yourself at least 45 minutes from the time you arrive to the time you want to be in your seat.
- Explore Mass Ave: Use the venue's location to your advantage. Plan for dinner or drinks within walking distance so you don't have to move your car twice.
- Check the Clear Bag Policy: Visit the official venue website 24 hours before your show, as security protocols can change based on the performer’s requirements.
The Old National Centre remains a cornerstone of Indianapolis culture because it refuses to be boring. It’s weird, it’s loud, it’s beautiful, and it’s a living piece of Indiana history that still knows how to throw a party.