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 famous performance hall. It is located at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The hall opened on October 18, 1963. It hosts many important concerts, musicals, plays, and guest speakers. Clowes Hall is a main part of the Butler Arts and Events Center. This center also includes other venues like the Schrott Center for the Arts.

The Story of Clowes Hall

Clowes Memorial Hall first opened in 1963. Two architects, Evans Woollen III and John M. Johansen, designed it together. The building is known for its unique style. It uses exposed concrete slabs, which is typical of a design called Brutalist architecture. This style often looks bold and strong.

Evans Woollen III was a key person in the design. He helped make sure all the details were just right. Since it opened, many architects have praised its brave design. In 2021, experts from the American Institute of Architects in Indianapolis called it one of the ten most important buildings built in the city since World War II.

The design for the building was quite new and different. It cost $3.5 million to build. Allen Whitehill Clowes strongly supported the design. The hall is named after his father, George Henry Alexander Clowes. Allen Clowes had studied with one of the architects, John Johansen, at Harvard University.

Allen Clowes loved the arts very much. He worked with his wife and Butler University to create the Clowes Fund. This fund helped pay for the building. At first, both Butler University and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra used the hall. But in 1984, the orchestra moved to its own place. They bought and fixed up the historic Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis.

Cool Performances at Clowes Hall

Clowes Memorial Hall has seen many amazing shows. It was once the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Many famous musicians and shows have performed here.

For example, in 2011, singer Adam Lambert recorded his Glam Nation Tour at the hall. This recording was later released as a CD/DVD set called Glam Nation Live.

How Many Seats Are There?

Clowes Hall can hold many people. Here is a breakdown of its seating:

See also

• List of music venues
• List of attractions and events in Indianapolis