Murat Theatre Information
Keep an eye on the Live Nation website to catch the latest shows set to hit Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre.
The completely restored Murat Theatre is the showpiece of a dynamic, multi-purpose entertainment complex called the Old National Centre (formerly the Murat Centre) It’s in Downtown Indianapolis, in the vibrant Mass Ave Cultural Arts District (MACAD).
Within the center are multiple event spaces, including the Egyptian Room, Grand Lobby, Deco Room, and Imperial Lounge. But it’s the Murat Theatre that steals the spotlight.
Find the theater at 502 North New Jersey St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.
The Murat Shriners of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine own the theater and the Old National Centre, once called the Murat Centre. Live Nation, one of the world’s largest entertainment companies, coordinates events at the venue.
Broadway at Murat Theatre
In conjunction with Broadway Across America, Murat Theatre and Live Nation bring the magic of Broadway to Indiana. Expect award-winning productions fresh off New York City’s most famous stages, including venues like:
» Lyric Theatre
» New Amsterdam Theatre
» Gershwin Theatre
» Winter Garden Theatre
» Majestic Theatre
Here’s a glimpse at some recent and upcoming highlights:
Elf – This heartwarming holiday favorite brought a healthy dose of festive cheer to the Murat Theatre. Always a hit with the critics, Elf captivates audiences (young and old) with humor, charm, and lots of sing-a-longs.
Moulin Rouge! – A feast for the senses, this visually stunning production dazzled with opulent costumes, powerful performances, and a reimagined pop soundtrack.
Annie – Family-friendly classic Annie returned to the National Centre Murat Theatre stage with a timeless message of hope, resilience, and the promise of “Tomorrow.”
Six – This high-energy, empowering musical reimagined the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives with a modern pop twist.
Beetlejuice – Quirky humor and out-of-this-world sets take center stage in this Broadway hit. It never fails to thrill audiences with its unique blend of comedy and the supernatural.
Wicked – A perennial favorite, this prequel to The Wizard of Oz brought its signature spectacle, emotional depth, and blockbuster songs to enthusiastic Indy crowds.
With an ever-evolving lineup of hits, the Murat Theatre has put Indianapolis on the map as a hotspot for Broadway enthusiasts. Whether it’s your first Broadway experience or one of many, the Murat Theatre promises an unforgettable evening of storytelling, music, and artistry.
Beyond Broadway at Murat Theatre
Broadway productions are a marquee feature of the Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre, but the venue’s appeal extends far beyond the razzle and dazzle of musicals. The former Shrine Temple is a versatile performance space for high-profile concerts, comedy acts, and national touring events.
A stage for iconic concerts
Over the years, the completely restored Murat Theatre has welcomed an impressive roster of legendary musicians and contemporary artists across all kinds of genres.
In 2023, folk-rock legend Bob Dylan delivered an intimate and unforgettable performance that left fans in awe.
Grammy award-winning artist John Legend’s soulful voice resonated beautifully in 2018, thanks to the theater’s outstanding acoustics.
Norah Jones captivated audiences with her signature blend of jazz, pop, and blues during a memorable tour stop in 2017.
Rock icon Jack White brought his trademark style and high-energy performance to the Murat stage in 2022.
In 2016, The Lumineers filled the theater with heartfelt lyrics and chart-topping hits.
Comedy and spoken word
The Murat Theatre is a go-to venue for comedy legends and thought-provoking speakers touring the Midwest.
Dave Chappelle’s sold-out show brought a night of laughter with razor-sharp wit and social commentary.
Stand-up sensation Ali Wong had audiences rolling in the aisles during her tour stop.
Beloved humorist, comedian, and author David Sedaris shared his unique stories and observations in an intimate evening of spoken word.
National touring events
In addition to concerts and comedy, Murat Theatre plays host to a host of national tours and special events.
Cirque Dreams brought a visually stunning acrobatic show to Murat Theatre that combined creative choreography with awe-inspiring storytelling.
My Favorite Murder Live saw Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, hosts of the wildly popular true-crime podcast, engage fans with thrilling tales with a comedic twist.
The Price is Right Live! brought the excitement of the classic game show to the Murat Theatre.
There’s always something happening at Murat Theatre so be sure to check back for upcoming events.
Venue history
Not all entertainment venues are as historically significant as the Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre. Originally a Masonic Temple, the building is a masterpiece of Middle Eastern and Egyptian-inspired design. It was brought to life by the William P. Jungclaus Company, under the vision of the Murat Shriners and celebrated Indiana architect, Oscar D. Bohlen.
Completed in 1910, the venue (formally the Murat Centre) holds the distinction of being the oldest existing stage house in Downtown Indianapolis and one of the nation’s largest Masonic shrines. These credentials have earned Murat Theatre a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
The theater was completely restored in the spring of 1995. The enormous project saw the entire theater gutted and rebuilt. A theater consultant from Minneapolis was hired to oversee the process and worked closely with architect Fred Simmons to honor the theater’s historic value. One of the biggest challenges was widening the original proscenium stage, an upgrade that now allows the theater to host even the most elaborate large-scale productions.
In the 1990s another notable change was made — the spelling of the venue was changed from Theater to Theatre.
What’s in a name?
The name “Murat” originates from the “Bir Murat” oasis in the Nubian Desert. Unlike most Masonic shrines, the name doesn’t have Arabic origins. Instead, the oasis and theater are named after Frenchman Joachim Murat, a prominent general in Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign. So, the Murat Theater is one of the only Masonic shrines with a French-originating name.
About the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District
The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District, or Mass Ave as locals affectionately call it, encompasses five blocks of theaters, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. From Stout’s Footwear (one of the oldest shoe stores in the USA) to German-themed beer gardens and artisan chocolatiers, the Mass Ave theater district showcases Indianapolis arts and culture at its best.