Indianapolis Ballet's Nutcracker in Indianapolis

Old National Centre

Welcome to the home of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in Indianapolis: The Old National Centre! Originally known as the Murat Shrine, is is the oldest stage house in downtown Indianapolis, now an entertainment venue. Originally built and owned by the Murat Shiners’, its namesake is the Nubian Desert oasis Bir Murat, which itself was named for Frenchman Joachim Murat, one of Napoleon’s generals. The building features include stained-glass windows, terra cotta trim, and a 208 foot tall tower at the southeast corner. The Egyptian-themed auditorium opened coincidentally with the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. In its early days it featured Broadway plays and a 1932 speech by Winston Churchill. Between 1948 and 1963, it was the only road show venue in Indianapolis and for a time it was the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The main sections are the 1,800-seat concert hall, the 2,500-seat performing arts theater and nine more areas for hosting events.