Clowes Memorial Hall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University

Clowes Memorial Hall in 2012
Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University Location in Indiana
Address	4602 Sunset Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana United States
Coordinates	39°50′25″N 86°10′11″W / 39.840278°N 86.169722°W / 39.840278; -86.169722
Owner	Butler University
Operator	Butler University
Capacity	2,096 2,172 possible
Current use	Performing arts
Construction
Opened	October 18, 1963; 61 years ago (1963-10-18)
Years active	1963–present
Architect	Evans Woollen III and John M. Johansen

Clowes Memorial Hall is a special building at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. It's a place where people go to see amazing shows. Since it opened on October 18, 1963, Clowes Hall has hosted many concerts, orchestras, musicals, and plays. Famous speakers also visit this hall. It's a main part of the Butler Arts and Events Center, which has other performance spaces too.

History of Clowes Hall

Clowes Memorial Hall opened its doors in 1963. Two architects, Evans Woollen III from Indianapolis and John M. Johansen, worked together on its design. The building looks unique because it shows off its concrete walls and parts. This style is called Brutalist architecture, which uses strong, raw concrete.

Even though the design was different, Allen Whitehill Clowes really liked it. The building is named after his father, George Henry Alexander Clowes. Allen Clowes had studied at Harvard University with Johansen. He also loved the arts very much.

Allen Clowes and his wife, along with Butler University, created the Clowes Fund. This fund helped pay for the building of this performing arts center. At first, both Butler University and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra used the hall. The orchestra performed there until 1984. Then, they moved to their own place, the Hilbert Circle Theatre, in downtown Indianapolis.

Famous Performances at Clowes Hall

Clowes Memorial Hall has been a stage for many great shows. Besides being the former home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, it has hosted famous music artists.

In 2011, singer Adam Lambert, who was born in Indianapolis, recorded a live show there. This recording became his Glam Nation Live CD/DVD set.

Seating at Clowes Hall

Clowes Memorial Hall can hold many people for its shows. Here's how the seats are divided:

See also

• List of music venues in the United States
• List of attractions and events in Indianapolis