Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse

201 NW 4th St Suite #104, Evansville, IN
Capacity: 200 people

About Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse

The Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse is considered by architectural historians to be one of the most important examples of 19th century governmental architecture in the country.. It was designed by Henry Wolters of Louisville, Kentucky and exemplifies Beaux Arts architecture which was just coming into vogue at the time of the Courthouse’s design, replacing heavier Victorian styles. Wolters himself studied at the Ecole de Beaux Arts in Paris. It occupies a full city block bound by Fourth, Vine, Fifth and Court streets in downtown Evansville which was once a turnaround basin for the Wabash and Erie Canal. Franz Engelsmann of Chicago is credited with carving the fourteen main statues that surround the courthouse. Much about the history of Vanderburgh County can be gleaned from the sculptures which were all carved onsite. The building is constructed of Bedford Stone, limestone native to Indiana, and the interior boasts marble floors, Ettewa pink marble wainscots, slate stairs and wrought iron and brass handrails. At its tallest point, 216 feet, the courthouse’s bell tower dominates the skyline of Downtown Evansville. Construction on the courthouse began in 1888 and was completed by 1890 at a cost of $379,450. County government personnel started moving into the courthouse in early 1891. The courthouse was the epicenter of community life and for the big events of its day. The Commissioners room served as the military headquarters during the 1937 flood when martial law was declared and the courthouse was a stop on the campaign trail for President Harry Truman in 1948 and John F. Kennedy in 1960. Both gave speeches from the courthouse steps. The building was vacated in 1969 when county government offices were moved to the new Civic Center Complex. Despite efforts to demolish the courthouse in an attempt to modernize downtown it was the sheer cost of the proposed razing that helped spare it. The county instead leased the building to a group of citizens who formed the Conrad Baker Foundation for the purpose of saving, restoring and placing the building back into public use. The Conrad Baker Foundation operated the “Old Courthouse Center” along with the former Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Residence and Jail as a home for non-profits, artistic retail and public reception rooms. It was a grassroots effort funded solely through rental income, donations, and fundraisers. Many remember the building coming to life during this time with fundraising events such as “New York, New York”. In 1990 the organization’s name was changed to the Old Courthouse Preservation Society. Faced with financial challenges, the Preservation Society relinquished management of the Old Courthouse to the County in 2000. Today, the Old Courthouse remains open and vibrant under the management of the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners. Preservation and restoration are a collaborative effort between the Old Courthouse Foundation and Vanderburgh County. The County Engineer and Veteran Service offices are still located in the building while the remaining office space is leased for private business use. The Old Courthouse is also a sought-after event venue with the recently restored Ballroom, Randall T. Shepard Courtroom and Governor’s parlor available for private parties and events.

Event Pricing

Elopements
Attendees: 30 max | $150 /event
Pricing for weddings only
Meetings & Micro Weddings
Attendees: 80 max | $150 - $250 /event
Pricing for all event types
Grand Ballrooms
Attendees: 200 max | $1,300 - $2,500 /event
Pricing for weddings and parties only
Key: Not Available

Availability

Last Updated: 1/13/2023

Event Spaces

Grand Ballroom
Grand Ballroom
Commissioners' Parlor

Recommendations

Beautiful Location - An Eventective User from Evanston, IN

Loved the location, our officiant made everything relatively easy, flowers were pretty, cake was delicious.

Bridal shower - An Eventective User

Awesome venue. Building was beautiful Ashlyn and Brittany were a Great help!!!

Bridal shower - An Eventective User from Cleveland Heights, Oh

Bridal shower for niece . Beautiful venue, Great food. Ashlyn and Brittany were a great help. The court house was beautiful with its beautiful wood And marbel

Large and roomy,beautiful history attracted. - An Eventective User

Mother's memorial service. It was large enought to make it comfortable for us. It had a personal meeting to our mom. That's where she got her Driver's license and her and our dad thier marriage license. Nice place, should have more cooking possibilities and at least warm water to clean up. It was a very pretty room with the sunshine coming in the windows hitting the gorgeous chandeliers. Our 87 yr. Old uncle loved going back memory lane with their parents and all being there.

Neighborhood
Venue Types
Amenities
  • ADA/ACA Accessible
  • Fully Equipped Kitchen
  • Outdoor Function Area
  • Outside Catering Allowed
  • Wireless Internet/Wi-Fi
Features
  • Max Number of People for an Event: 200
  • Number of Event/Function Spaces: 4