The Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre
The Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre
The Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre
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4.0
268 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
94
Average
36
Poor
23
Terrible
17
IMBELLE
INDIANAPOLIS, IN221 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
I recently attended two shows at the Murat Theater at Old National Center and based on those experiences, I am in no hurry to make a return visit.
The first show I booked my tickets on my home computer, not realizing that pre-booked tickets are only sent to you now via smartphone. The iphone store is unable to synch my home email with my smartphone email. So after explaining the situation via email to Murat, they were (begrudgingly) able to have will call tickets available at the theater.
So the next time I wanted to see a show at Murat, I waited until the box office opened for the performance to buy my ticket. After paying for my ticket, the clerk wanted to send my ticket to a smartphone. I just wanted a printed ticket. She said they don't do that. So someone without a smartphone can't buy a ticket for a performance? She said "Well, we ask them if they have friend who has a smart phone." Uh huh. I was polite but firm in asking for either a printed ticket or a refund. She went to go ask her manager and then was miraculously able to print me a ticket after all. But I was scolded not to expect to be able to get a ticket that way again. So apparently if you are a person who is unable to afford a smartphone or chooses not to live your life via a 2x4 inch screen, you are unwelcome at Murat Theater.
Then to add more fun to the experience, you go through a metal detector and have a security guard pawing through the personal items in your bag. The guy who checked mine went through every single nook and cranny, making comments about the contents as he went. Now, I get why there are security checks in public venues these days but if you are that concerned about people's bag contents, invest in an airport bag check machine.
Murat is certainly not diverting any profits into keeping the theater in good repair. Obviously there's not a lot they can do about the claustrophobia-inducing seating setup without a major overhaul. But there was quite a bit of peeling paint and plaster that could have easily been touched up with some paint and sanding.
And if you wish to purchase a concession, you can only do so with a credit card, no legal tender accepted. If Murat can't trust their employees to handle cash, why would I trust them with my credit card information?
In all, I came away from my experiences feeling like Murat is only interested in serving customers as long as they're not inconvenienced in the process.
The first show I booked my tickets on my home computer, not realizing that pre-booked tickets are only sent to you now via smartphone. The iphone store is unable to synch my home email with my smartphone email. So after explaining the situation via email to Murat, they were (begrudgingly) able to have will call tickets available at the theater.
So the next time I wanted to see a show at Murat, I waited until the box office opened for the performance to buy my ticket. After paying for my ticket, the clerk wanted to send my ticket to a smartphone. I just wanted a printed ticket. She said they don't do that. So someone without a smartphone can't buy a ticket for a performance? She said "Well, we ask them if they have friend who has a smart phone." Uh huh. I was polite but firm in asking for either a printed ticket or a refund. She went to go ask her manager and then was miraculously able to print me a ticket after all. But I was scolded not to expect to be able to get a ticket that way again. So apparently if you are a person who is unable to afford a smartphone or chooses not to live your life via a 2x4 inch screen, you are unwelcome at Murat Theater.
Then to add more fun to the experience, you go through a metal detector and have a security guard pawing through the personal items in your bag. The guy who checked mine went through every single nook and cranny, making comments about the contents as he went. Now, I get why there are security checks in public venues these days but if you are that concerned about people's bag contents, invest in an airport bag check machine.
Murat is certainly not diverting any profits into keeping the theater in good repair. Obviously there's not a lot they can do about the claustrophobia-inducing seating setup without a major overhaul. But there was quite a bit of peeling paint and plaster that could have easily been touched up with some paint and sanding.
And if you wish to purchase a concession, you can only do so with a credit card, no legal tender accepted. If Murat can't trust their employees to handle cash, why would I trust them with my credit card information?
In all, I came away from my experiences feeling like Murat is only interested in serving customers as long as they're not inconvenienced in the process.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dwatson12
Indianapolis, IN41 contributions
Dec 2019
An absolute dreadful place to see a show! Not enough elevator capacity or bathroom accommodations.
At Hamilton there were still long lines for bathrooms when the second act began. This created an incredibly inconsiderate situation for both the cast and patrons. People were forced to go back to their seats during the show. For the first 10 minutes of the second act, there was a great distraction of seated people standing up to allow others to reach there seats.
Unlike professional theaters, Ushers didn’t help with flashlights so people were aimlessly lost, stumbling around to find their seats. But hey, what do you expect for $300 seats?
At Hamilton there were still long lines for bathrooms when the second act began. This created an incredibly inconsiderate situation for both the cast and patrons. People were forced to go back to their seats during the show. For the first 10 minutes of the second act, there was a great distraction of seated people standing up to allow others to reach there seats.
Unlike professional theaters, Ushers didn’t help with flashlights so people were aimlessly lost, stumbling around to find their seats. But hey, what do you expect for $300 seats?
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry to hear about the difficulties you experienced. I would like to discuss further. I have some thoughts on how we could better accommodate you in the future. michaelconway@livenation.com. Thank you for your feedback.
Written 5 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Crissy K
Memphis, IN816 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
The shows we have seen were fine. The sitting is too small for kids. We went to the cirque show and sat in row j. Our knees touched the metal railing, more like dug into it. Miserable. The seats are very small. There is no leg room at all. We have sat in the floor before and it is not much better. They need to overhaul the sitting to make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Written 12 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jtr56
Indiana164 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Went with my daughter to see Anastasia. Absolutely wonderful. I would go again in a heartbeat. The cast was great. The scenery changes were perfect. We had great seats to see broadway in Indianapolis. Bravo! Bravo!
Written 22 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamara L
Plainfield, IN75 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
I am writing this review in hopes of helping someone else pick seating. The balcony provides the best view, in my opinion. I just recently splurged to get the premium royalty seating. My reasoning was that, in previous visits, I found the normal seats to feel cramped. The aisles are small and leaves little room for legs...and I am not tall!! If you are sitting in the middle, good luck getting out. The whole aisle has to stand up to let you pass. The good thing, the royalty seating was much more comfortable. The bad thing, we were sitting on the side and our view of that side of the stage was totally obstructed. We also had a hard time hearing, so not sure if the miking was off or if it was because we were sitting on the side. Overall, it was worthwhile for us since my youngest could sit on my lap, and that could've NEVER happened in the regular seats. So, not sure which is better. There appears to be trade offs.
Written 28 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WilliamT316
43 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
The Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre is my favorite music venue in Indianapolis, mostly due to its central location and ease of access. It can be reached in 20-25 minutes from most points in Indianapolis, as well as from many suburbs. Additionally, it is an intimate setting due to its small size.
I have been to this venue literally dozens of times, and have experienced performances from most every seating area. My musical tastes are varied from Americana to punk rock, progressive rock, classic rock, new wave, rockabilly, folk, blues and metal, so I have experienced a variety presentations. The Murat is well suited for them all.
Seating generalities: There are 3 orchestra seating areas on the floor: left, center and right. There is also a balcony to the rear, as well as lodge seating along the sides. Also, there are usually 3 rows of "pit" seats, unless the performance requires the use of that space. Pit seats are folding chairs that aren't very comfortable, but if you want to be up close, that's the place to be.
If you sit left or right, I advise that you do not sit in the first 10 rows. Further back allows for better acoustics in those areas, as well as lines of site to the stage.
Sitting in the center orchestra seats can be very enjoyable anywhere forward of the balcony. The very front of the venue offers unmatched intimacy with the performers, but can limit enjoyment of performance vocals which are typically projected from the PA speakers on either side. With some musical styles, hearing the vocals can be a secondary concern, so I sometimes enjoy the show up close. If you sit on the main floor in seats under the balcony, the high frequency acoustics are severely hampered, which makes the vocals muddy and generally makes the entire performance not well balanced acoustically. Generally speaking, seats from from row G through T in the center offer the best sound.
Balcony seating offers a different perspective that can also be very enjoyable. AVOID the front row of the balcony. Leg room there is for children only. Adults will be completely uncomfortable the entire performance in the balcony front row. The next 5 rows of the balcony can offer a great view of the stage, as well as reasonably good acoustics.
Lodge seating is fabulous for an intimate group of 6 friends. Sitting there, you can swap seats with each other throughout the performance for a variety of configurations, and you don't have to worry about interrupting the view for folks outside of your group. I saw Alice Cooper from the front right lodge one time and was thrilled with the view of the stage there. Audio was quite respectable as well.
The Bar: Usually, there is one large wooden bar in the lobby with many bartenders to fulfill your drink orders. Pricing is no bargain, but comparable with other concert venues. Choice of liquor brands is limited. I can never get Tanqueray there. Long Island iced tea is pre-mixed and generic (and also weak). Beer selection is also very limited to mass-produced "light" beers. There are also usually a few smaller bars (picture a 6-foot table with a skirt around it) set up ad-hoc. These are typically specialized with premium quality beers.
Restrooms: Located in the basement and usually crowded. There is a slow elevator for accessibility, but I wouldn't use it if you can handle a few stairs.
Security: The reason I give this venue less than 5. The hired security force is usually overly aggressive with their groping and pat downs, and with a metal-detector wand in use also. Polite and courteous? No, forget that. I go to concert venues in other cities and even within the city and am NEVER so disrespected as I am at the Murat by their hired security.
Parking: Nice secure and well-lit lot is available in front for typically $10-15. Price varies with performance. Get there at least 20 minutes before show time for a spot in the lot. Street parking is available within a few blocks. Earlier arrival will allow for closer parking.
I have been to this venue literally dozens of times, and have experienced performances from most every seating area. My musical tastes are varied from Americana to punk rock, progressive rock, classic rock, new wave, rockabilly, folk, blues and metal, so I have experienced a variety presentations. The Murat is well suited for them all.
Seating generalities: There are 3 orchestra seating areas on the floor: left, center and right. There is also a balcony to the rear, as well as lodge seating along the sides. Also, there are usually 3 rows of "pit" seats, unless the performance requires the use of that space. Pit seats are folding chairs that aren't very comfortable, but if you want to be up close, that's the place to be.
If you sit left or right, I advise that you do not sit in the first 10 rows. Further back allows for better acoustics in those areas, as well as lines of site to the stage.
Sitting in the center orchestra seats can be very enjoyable anywhere forward of the balcony. The very front of the venue offers unmatched intimacy with the performers, but can limit enjoyment of performance vocals which are typically projected from the PA speakers on either side. With some musical styles, hearing the vocals can be a secondary concern, so I sometimes enjoy the show up close. If you sit on the main floor in seats under the balcony, the high frequency acoustics are severely hampered, which makes the vocals muddy and generally makes the entire performance not well balanced acoustically. Generally speaking, seats from from row G through T in the center offer the best sound.
Balcony seating offers a different perspective that can also be very enjoyable. AVOID the front row of the balcony. Leg room there is for children only. Adults will be completely uncomfortable the entire performance in the balcony front row. The next 5 rows of the balcony can offer a great view of the stage, as well as reasonably good acoustics.
Lodge seating is fabulous for an intimate group of 6 friends. Sitting there, you can swap seats with each other throughout the performance for a variety of configurations, and you don't have to worry about interrupting the view for folks outside of your group. I saw Alice Cooper from the front right lodge one time and was thrilled with the view of the stage there. Audio was quite respectable as well.
The Bar: Usually, there is one large wooden bar in the lobby with many bartenders to fulfill your drink orders. Pricing is no bargain, but comparable with other concert venues. Choice of liquor brands is limited. I can never get Tanqueray there. Long Island iced tea is pre-mixed and generic (and also weak). Beer selection is also very limited to mass-produced "light" beers. There are also usually a few smaller bars (picture a 6-foot table with a skirt around it) set up ad-hoc. These are typically specialized with premium quality beers.
Restrooms: Located in the basement and usually crowded. There is a slow elevator for accessibility, but I wouldn't use it if you can handle a few stairs.
Security: The reason I give this venue less than 5. The hired security force is usually overly aggressive with their groping and pat downs, and with a metal-detector wand in use also. Polite and courteous? No, forget that. I go to concert venues in other cities and even within the city and am NEVER so disrespected as I am at the Murat by their hired security.
Parking: Nice secure and well-lit lot is available in front for typically $10-15. Price varies with performance. Get there at least 20 minutes before show time for a spot in the lot. Street parking is available within a few blocks. Earlier arrival will allow for closer parking.
Written 11 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rae Ann P
Peru, IN232 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
Seats are very narrow - if two size 8 women feel crowded, imagine how larger sized people feel?! One seat was completely blocked by a very huge pillar on orchestra level. Two overweight people had to have chairs brought to them because they could not fit or see from their seats. Acoustics are poor. Needs repainting and repairs. Possibly you can "overlook" the place if you are seeing a show/group/presentation you are enthralled with, but I felt it was the worst. Can't imagine how a handicapped person could possibly use a w/c, walker or cane to get around. I highly doubt I would return.
Written 25 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ch0sen2017
1 contribution
Apr 2017 • Friends
The balcony clearance is so low that it obstructs the view of the top of the stage if you're seated behind the poles. Also, there is a flat when you get toward the back of the section so that the seats behind are not elevated and you can't see over the people sitting in front of you. They shouldn't even sell seats in that section. It's terrible. People in the back row left their seats up and were sitting on top of them or standing. I asked management to move me. Worst experience I've ever had with live theater.
Written 2 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica H
Christiansted, St. Croix132 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
We visited the Murat for the first time in March 2014, for an incredible show (Neutral Milk Hotel!). The Murat seemed amazing to me--cavernous, somewhat elegant, old. We were in the Egyptian Room for a general admission, standing room only show. We chose to buy $10 per person priority passes. These allowed us to skip the line and enter the theater with the other priority pass buyers (which numbered only about 20, a small number for a venue that holds 2000). What an amazing deal. We stood in the front row, leaning against the security fence, and had a great view for the entire show. There were multiple bars. The restroom seemed small but there was only a small line, even between acts. Overall, this was an accommodating venue. We are not from Indianapolis, but I would visit the Murat again!
Written 29 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn C
Indianapolis, IN19 contributions
Nov 2019
I have seen many shows here and have never had a bad seat. You can tell that the staff are out to help at every intermission showing you were to go and to get lines moving. The Acoustic's are always great the quality of show are unsurpassed by anything else ive seen.
Worth a show!
Worth a show!
Written 10 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the area around the Old National Centre safe to walk around with a group of friends? Is the area safe at night?
Written 24 April 2023
Is there easy access for someone with difficulty climbing stairs .We have tickets on the main floor?
Written 12 February 2020
Not very. There is a tiny elevator that is inadequate.
Written 13 February 2020
Where is best to park your car when going to the theater???
Written 7 April 2019
The Murat Theater has their own lot, but if you can't get in, there are lots of city streets around to park in. It is in a very gentrified area of Indy, right down town.
Written 7 April 2019
Where is best seating for meet and greet with Trixie Mattel
Written 18 August 2018
I'm not sure. I have only been to a performance there. Sorry.
Written 19 August 2018
Just Google “Downtown Indianapolis hotels” and I guarantee you will find what you need.
Written 10 February 2018
There are many major hotels in the downtown area. Did you mean the Marriott instead of Murat?
Written 5 October 2015
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