Located in the historic Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood of Indianapolis, Indiana, Beth-El Zedeck Temple offers you a compelling glimpse into early 20th-century religious architecture and local heritage. Built in 1924 and dedicated on the first night of Hanukah in 1925, this impressive site is the oldest remaining synagogue structure in the city. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019, the venue represents a deeply layered history—first housing Congregation Beth-El (which merged to become Beth-El Zedeck in 1928), then Congregation B'nai Torah, and later various Christian churches before becoming vacant.
As you explore the exterior, you can admire its classic two-story neoclassical design, featuring a solid brick exterior, a flat roof, a terra cotta cornice, and ornamental pedestals along the roof line. You will also notice the decorative canopy suspended over the front doors by steel tension cables. Behind the doors, the building traditionally featured first-floor classrooms and a large second-floor sanctuary space.
Rescued by Indiana Landmarks in 2014 to secure its roof and remove a non-original northern brick addition, it stands as a resilient neighborhood monument well worth a stop for architecture and history enthusiasts visiting Indianapolis.
What to see at Beth-El Zedeck Temple
- Oldest remaining synagogue structure located in Indianapolis
- Striking neoclassical design with brick exterior and terra cotta cornice
- Unique front entry canopy held by steel tension cables
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019
Visiting tips
Plan to appreciate the building's historic neoclassical facade and architectural details from the exterior, as it has been vacant for approximately two decades.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daylight hours
How to get there & what’s nearby
Beth-El Zedeck Temple is easy to reach on Indianapolis’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Indianapolis Zoo and Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Indianapolis travel guide.
See the full Indianapolis travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.