In partnership with Indianapolis City Market, Indiana Landmarks offers guided tours of an unusual site hidden from public view. These tours explore the Catacombs, a Roman-looking expanse of brick arches beneath the outdoor Whistler Plaza of City Market. Along the way, guides share stories of two historic buildings, City Market and Tomlinson Hall.
In 1886, the City of Indianapolis constructed two public buildings on Market Street designed by architect Dietrich Bohlen – City Market and Tomlinson Hall. City Market remains a thriving part of the downtown community. Tomlinson Hall, whose main hall seated 3,500 people, disappeared from the cityscape in 1958. Today only its iconic arch and its basement, known as the Catacombs, recall its once vibrant space.
The Catacombs qualify as both a ruin and a redevelopment opportunity. They’re what remains of Tomlinson Hall, which burned in January 1958, turning Market Street into an icy lake as firefighters battled the blaze. The city took down the remains later that year. Our Catacombs don’t contain bones or crypts—at least none that we know of—but rather scores of brick barrel-vaulted arches.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Spring tours are offered March 29 & 31 and April 5 & 7, with tours running every 15 minutes beginning at 11:15 a.m.
Tours are also offered on select Saturdays from May through October. Beginning in May 2022, tours will run every 15 minutes, beginning at 10 a.m., on the following dates:
May 7 and 21
June 4 and 18
July 2, 16, and 30
August 20
September 3 and 17
October 1, 15, and 29
Tours last approximately 30 minutes and depart from the mezzanine level of Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market Street, Indianapolis.
PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE
The tour costs $12 per person age 12 and up; $10 per member of Indiana Landmarks; $6 per child (age 6-11); free for children age 5 and under (no strollers).
Secure your spot by purchasing tickets in advance at catacombs2022.eventbrite.com or by calling Indiana Landmarks, 317-639-4534 or reservations@indianalandmarks.org.
PARKING
Park at meters or in garages on the surrounding streets. See parking options in the area: https://www.indycm.com/parking/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Get the answers to frequently asked questions about the Catacombs: https://www.indianalandmarks.org/…/Catacombs-Tour-FAQ…
STAY SAFE UNDERGROUND
NOTE: Due to conditions in the Catacombs, participants must wear a face covering over their mouth and nose during tours.
City Market Catacombs is an undeveloped historic space not accessible for all guests. It is a musty, sometimes damp area with a very rough, uneven dirt floor. The tour is not navigable for guests with walkers, canes, strollers, or wheelchairs. We recommend closed-toed shoes. Ticketholders are required to sign a liability waiver to take the tour. All tourgoers must wear a face covering over their mouth and nose during the tour.
Please address any questions to tourism@indianalandmarks.org or 317-639-4534.
(Photo credit: Jeremy Meier)