The Indiana Roof Ballroom, affectionately just called the “Roof,” has been an important part of downtown Indianapolis for nearly a century. Located above the Indiana Repertory Theatre, it has hosted famous performers, high school proms, weddings, and ceremonies while creating the illusion of twilight in a Spanish town.

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Dreamed up in 1926 by Edgar O. Hunter and Preston Rubush, the Roof first opened in September of 1927. Designed to appear as if you were in a European village, no detail was left out; painted grapevines creep up plaster columns, and the stucco facades contain exquisite detail, including doorways and balconies with ornate railings. The ceiling resembles a night sky, with twinkling stars, soft clouds, and a crescent moon against a dark backdrop.

The 8,700 square foot, circular dance floor began with one, small square in the center of the floor. From there, it was expanded with small boards to create the 100 foot wide floor. The floor, which famous performer Lawrence Welk termed “the most comfortable dancing surface in the world” due to two subfloors and a cushion layer, was well-used by people in the ‘30s and ’40s who came to see big bands. The bands further customized the already unique ballroom; the Betsy Ross Candy Company put a sweet shop and soda fountain next to the stage. From 1931 to 1936, two employees rated performers on a stage door. Four stars, the highest rating, were for excellent performers. Cab Calloway and Jan Garber were among those to get four stars; the raters awarded themselves five stars apiece. The door remains in the ballroom today.

Visited by presidents and famous performers, the Roof has always been the place to be. Jazz singer/songwriter Hogie Carmichael came to the roof every time it featured a new band, hoping to interest them in his songs.

Presidents John F. Kennedy and Harry Truman enjoyed the Roof, along with Sen. Robert Kennedy and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day, Hoagie Carmichael, Margaret Thatcher, and Bing Crosby frequented the Roof in days past.

Famous Guest List at the Roof

Actors/Actresses: Audrey Hepburn, Cast of The Office, Don Johnson, Doris Day, Hoagie Carmichael, Jason Priestley, Joan Rivers, Mario Lopez, Mark Edwards, Melissa Joan Hart, Morgan Freeman, Patrick Dempsey, Paul Newman

Musicians: Bing Crosby, Commodores, Cool and The Gang, Edwin McCain, Frank Sinatra, Gene Simmons, Harry Connick Jr., Jamie O’Neal, John Mellancamp, Kenny G., Ludacris, The Ohio Players, The Pointer Sisters, Tony Bennett

Politicians: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Colin Powell, Harry Truman, Margaret Thatcher, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy

Athletes: Danica Patrick, Florence Griffith Joyner, Helio Castroneves, Lance Armstrong, Peyton Manning, Reggie Miller