Beloved Anachronism

I don't know the word for this building, but I don't think 

anachronism is correct. I just find it so unique, so beautiful and 

idiosyncratic that there must be a special word for it.

The Murat Shrine Temple of Indianapolis was started in 1909 

after land at the corner of Michigan and New Jersey Streets 

was purchased for $37,000. The architect was told the design of the 

temple was to take the form of a mosque. 

The building took just under a year to complete and was 

dedicated in March, 1910. The Schubert Organization of New York 

leased the new theatre and, beginning in February, 1910, 

the Shriners of Indianapolis were regularly treated to

to shows from the Broadway stages, including the Ziegfeld Follies.

The new theater could seat 1,950 people and remains, 

to this day a beloved and respected venue for the top acts

in show business, many of whom especially

admire the theater's acoustics. 

This photo shows the back of the Murat Theater, 

which has been painted to resemble the Temple's

main entrance on New Jersey Street. However, there

is a covered entry-way, complete with lighted marque

promoting the current acts appearing at the theater.