Morris Butler House

Written by Julie Greiner

Old Victorian turn of the century mansions - with period furniture, window coverings, wallpaper and intricately carved plaster is what you enjoy? Located near the center of Indianapolis on Park Street, this Empire-style house is easily accessible and a favorite tourist attraction for those interested in period antiques and architecture. In 1864 architect Diedrich Bohlen, of Hanover, designed this Empire style house for indianapolis businessman John D. Morris. In 1881 attorney Noble Chase Butler purchased the house. It was then sold to the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana in 1964, and thus the Morris-Butler House Museum opened in 1969.

Wooton Desk

See history as you tour all three floors of this restored 16 room museum Morris Butler House

home. View the dramatic formal parlor to the private living quarters for family and staff. Experience how an upper-middle class family (and their servants) lived in the second half of the nineteenth century. Rare furnishings, including an ingenious, enormous Wooton desk fills rooms adorned with stenciled ceilings and elaborate wallpaper and carved plaster work. There are large permanent displays of nineteenth-century art, sculptures, paintings and lithographs from all over the world. This stately mansion sits on a lot with well groomed lawns and beautiful mature trees. The iron fence across the front lawn opens to a walk leading to the front stone curved poetical. The mansion is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Old Northside Indianapolis

The Morris-Butler Home Museum is located in the heart of historic Old Northside Indianapolis. The museum offers an annual event schedule which includes holiday performances, educational programs, seasonal exhibits, historic landscape workshops, historic homeowner lectures and guided tours. This museum mansion has been referred to as the best kept secret in Indianapolis. The red brick exterior with the tower and dormer windows makes for a very interesting effect. The many chimneys and fireplaces gives the impression of very luxurious living. The detail of the interior decor from the elaborate crystal ceiling chandeliers to the intricate well thought out dressings makes touring the mansion a delight for antique fanciers.

Historic Mansions In Indianapolis

President Benjamin Harrison's home and the home of James Whitcomb Riley the renowned poet are also located in Indianapolis and fantastic examples of turn of the century architecture. For further information on the Morris-Butler House call (317) 636-5409.