THE PARK

As the oldest city park in Indianapolis, Garfield Park is a major urban park nestled among historic leafy neighborhoods on the near southeast-side of downtown Indianapolis. This urban oasis is located less than 3 miles from the heart of downtown and just south of Fountain Square, and easily reached by bicycle and on foot via the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the Pleasant Run Trail.

THE ARTS CENTER

The Garfield Park Arts Center engages Indianapolis residents in diverse, artistic and cultural exhibits, arts classes and special events. It features performing arts spaces, visual arts galleries, classrooms and a literary arts library. The galleries, rich with exhibits of local and regional art, are open to the public at no charge.

The GPAC was originally called the Community House and was built in 1922. It was designed to look like a picnic shelter with enclosed walls, high ceilings, and fireplaces at each end. In 1930 a large swimming pool was located in the area that is currently the GPAC parking lot. At that time, the Community House was used as a locker room and recreation center. In 1990 the pool was removed and replaced by the Aquatic Center that is now located at the Burrello Family Center. In 2006 the Community House was remodeled and enlarged using a $2.7 million grant to become the Garfield Park Arts Center. The 8,000 square foot facility now houses a multi-use performing arts space, an exhibition hall, visual and production arts classrooms, recording studio, a literary arts library, and a rehearsal room.

For a complete list of classes, events and rental information please visit the GPAC website at: gpacarts.org.

To stay in-the-know on classes, exhibits, and special events visit and like GPAC page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/GPACIndyParks

GPAC Front Desk 317-327-7135

CONSERVATORY
& SUNKEN GARDENS

The Conservatory in Garfield Park was built in 1915 and rebuilt in 1954. The present rainforest-themed Conservatory features bromeliads, ferns, palms and a world-class orchid collection. The exterior Sunken Gardens were designed by the German landscape architect George E. Kessler and were dedicated in 1916. They are European-style formal gardens, with three fountains, paved brick walkways, and benches. They are replanted two times a year and maintained to preserve the original Kessler vision.

The facility focuses on rainforest-centered environmental education programs for both youth and adults. It hosts outdoor concerts, seasonal displays, and is available for weddings and other rentals. For complete details on programs and events at the Conservatory and Sunken Garden, please visit their website.

Engagements and Wedding Ceremonies have been going on at Garfield for over 100 years. Park grounds, especially the Conservatory and Sunken Garden provide a spectacular venue for your special event. For details about weddings and other after hours events in the Conservatory and Sunken Gardens visit their site.

https://www.facebook.com/GarfieldConservatoryandGardens

Conservatory Website: garfieldgardensconservatory.org

Front Desk, General Line: 317-327-7183

BURRELLO FAMILY & AQUATIC CENTER

In 1998 the Burrello Family Center and Aquatic Center opened, replacing the old pool and basketball court at the Community House. Named in honor of long-time park manager and dedicated Indy Parks employee Lynda Burrello. The outdoor Aquatic Center is open during the summer months.

Family Center, Front Desk: 317-327-7220

Aquatic Center, 317-327-7327

THE MACALLISTER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The MacAllister Center was completed in 1922 and serves as a premiere outdoor amphitheater in the city of Indianapolis. The structure was included as part of the Garfield Park National Registrar of Historic Places designation in 2003.

The MAC was constructed in the mid-1920’s and was originally referred to as the Amphitheater. It has hosted a number of musical and theatrical shows, including Guess Who, Dolly Pardon, Chuck Mangione, and the first production of Starlight Musicals in 1944. Local Shakespeare groups have often performed at the center and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra regularly schedules Symphony in the Park events each summer.

The MacAllister Center remains a hotspot of all types of concerts and special events all summer long, so watch for the schedule of events and come enjoy the unique experience of an amphitheater event under the stars.

FACILITY RENTALS

Garfield Park offers a wide-range of facilities available for hosting your special events and programs. Whether you’re looking for a field to host your pick-up baseball game, a rehearsal room for your barber shop quartet, or a fantastic venue for an outdoor wedding, Garfield’s got you covered. See the long list of facilities and contact info below.

All facility rental reservations can be accomplished directly with specific Garfield Park activity center staff listed above or through Indy Parks general customer service 317-327-PARK (7275) or by visiting Indy Parks Dept-Shelters-All Parks.

501c3 Nonprofit Organizations can apply for a one-time 25% rental fee reduction.

Facilities and direct links for more information

Banquet Room for Weddings and Special Events, Men’s Dressing Room, Women’s Dressing Room, Restroom Rental, Galleries for Exhibition, Visual Arts Studios, Literary Arts Room, Large & Small Classrooms, Performing Arts Studio, Practice Rooms