Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis

The Hilbert Circle Theatre, located on Monument Circle in Indianapolis, is a historic gem in the Washington Street-Monument Circle Historic District. Originally opened in 1916 as the Circle Theatre, this venue was one of the Midwest’s first “motion picture palaces” and among the earliest of its kind west of New York. Designed by local architects Rubus & Hunter in a Neoclassical Revival style, the theatre boasts a white glazed terra cotta façade and a curved front entrance. Its interior, inspired by Greek, Etruscan, and Pompeian motifs, was crafted by architect Robert Adam.

Originally a lavish movie palace, the Circle Theatre also hosted live performances like The Landing of the Pilgrims (1921). A $50,000 Wurlitzer organ was added in 1922, and it made history by introducing sound movies in 1927 and premiering The Jazz Singer in 1928. Over the years, icons like Frank Sinatra and Dizzy Gillespie performed on its stage.

Despite its illustrious history, the Circle Theatre fell into decline with the rise of suburban cinemas in the 1960s and 1970s. A $6.8 million renovation brought the theatre back to life, reopening on October 12, 1984, as the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The venue, which seats 1,660 people and accommodates an 87-member orchestra, features a restored 3-manual 24-rank Wurlitzer organ.

Renamed the Hilbert Circle Theatre in 1996, thanks to an endowment from Stephen and Tomisue Hilbert, the venue continues to serve as a cultural hub. It has hosted events ranging from the 1987 Pan American Games’ Weightlifting Competition to NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon during Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. Memorable moments include the world premiere of Hoosiers in 1986 and a centennial celebration for Indiana composer Cole Porter in 1991.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the Hilbert Circle Theatre stands as a testament to Indianapolis’ rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty.