Indianapolis – Crown Hill Cemetery and Arboretum is celebrating 163 years of service to the community with its third annual “Behind Closed Doors” event on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The historic site, which dates back to 1863, will open three of its roughly 80 private family mausoleums to the public for the first time.
Visitors age 21 and older can explore the interior of these ornate structures, view the artwork and architecture that families have preserved for generations, and learn the personal histories behind each mausoleum. Guided tours will run at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., while the open house itself operates from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets and Amenities
Admission is $125 per person and must be purchased online in advance. The price includes all food and beverages, and an open bar will be available throughout the evening. The event is designed to provide a respectful, educational experience for adults interested in local history, art, and genealogy.
Documentary Premiere
In addition to the tours, the evening will feature the premiere of “The Resting Place,” a documentary created by artists in Crown Hill’s artist‑in‑residence program. The film, which took nearly two years to produce, combines stop‑motion photography with an original musical score composed from sounds recorded on the cemetery grounds. It will screen three times at 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., after which the filmmakers plan to submit it to film festivals nationwide.
“These mausoleums are little pieces of artwork, and the stories behind them are just as fascinating as the buildings themselves,” said David Rieck, president of Crown Hill Cemetery and Foundation, during a recent interview with Daybreak. “Our Behind Closed Doors event gives people a behind‑the‑scenes look at Crown Hill’s rich heritage.”
The event underscores Crown Hill’s role as both a historic burial ground and a cultural hub for Indianapolis. By opening private spaces that are normally inaccessible, the cemetery hopes to deepen community appreciation for the city’s past while supporting the arts through its resident‑artist program.
Tickets are limited and can be purchased through the cemetery’s website. For more information, visit the Crown Hill Cemetery and Arboretum page or contact the event staff directly.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
