Entry No. 22 — the Indianapolis file — filed under: interactive art
The Harrison Center
Housed in a historic 1903 Gothic Revival church, this community-based arts nonprofit features 36 working artist studios, eight galleries, and quirky interactive elements hidden throughout the building.
The story
From the sidewalk, 1505 N Delaware Street looks like a typical 1903 Gothic Revival sanctuary anchoring the Old Northside. Step through the doors, however, and the ecclesiastical setting dissolves into a sprawling community arts complex housing 36 working artist studios and eight distinct gallery spaces.
What sets the venue apart from a standard gallery complex is the quiet absurdity built directly into its layout. As you wander the corridors, you will encounter architectural inside jokes: an indoor koi pond, a working indoor slide connecting floors, a terrace equipped with a rock climbing wall, and a functional 'karaoke elevator' hidden in the vertical circulation routes.
What it's like
Expect to navigate a multi-level maze of former church corridors and converted rooms. Visiting during a First Friday event (typically 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM) puts you in a crowded, energetic atmosphere where all eight galleries launch new exhibitions and studio doors swing open to the public. Off-peak weekday visits are considerably quieter, letting you explore the gallery spaces and hunt for the building's hidden features at your own pace—just confirm open hours before heading over.
The move: Explore the labyrinth of galleries to find the 'karaoke elevator,' slide down the indoor slide, view the indoor koi pond, and head up to the terrace to see the rock climbing wall.
- 📍 Old Northside
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1505 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Psychic Science Spiritualist Church — Walk two blocks south to contrast the arts center's converted church setting with an active 1923 Spiritualist sanctuary.
- Verita Cocktail Lounge — Head a few blocks north to follow your gallery walk with a drink in a subterranean brick cocktail den tucked beneath Bocca.
- Chatham Passage — Trade the Harrison Center's indoor gallery labyrinth for an outdoor public art installation that wafts rose perfume through an alley grate on Mass Ave.
Good to know
What hidden interactive features should I look for?
Track down the indoor slide, the indoor koi pond, the terrace rock climbing wall, and the operational karaoke elevator.
When are the main exhibition openings held?
The Harrison Center hosts First Friday events on the first Friday of every month from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, launching new shows across all eight galleries.
Where is the Harrison Center located?
It is located at 1505 N Delaware St in the Old Northside neighborhood of Indianapolis.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · visitindy.com
last checked: 2026-07-21