Morris-Butler House Museum, Indianapolis

The Morris-Butler House, an elegant example of Second Empire architecture, was built around 1864 in what is now the Old Northside Historic District of Indianapolis. Distinguished by its French mansard roof, four-story tower, and red brick exterior, the house stands as a testament to 19th-century design and craftsmanship. The 46-by-71-foot property features a cellar, attic, service area connected to a summer kitchen, a carriage house with living quarters, and a landscaped lot enclosed by a reproduction metal fence, radiating Victorian charm.

Constructed for businessman John D. Morris, the house changed hands in 1878 when it was purchased by Noble Chase Butler, a prominent bankruptcy lawyer. The Butler family, including Noble's daughter Florence, resided in the home until 1957. Over the decades, the neighborhood experienced significant decline, and by the late 1950s, the house had fallen into disrepair, serving briefly as an artist's studio and apartments.

In 1963, the Morris-Butler House was saved from demolition by Indiana Landmarks with funding from philanthropist Eli Lilly, whose ties to the area and friendship with Florence Butler inspired his support. Architect H. Roll McLaughlin oversaw its restoration, including structural repairs and a new slate roof. The house opened as a museum in 1969, featuring Victorian and Post-Victorian furnishings, including a Wooton desk and art by Jacob Cox.

Indiana Landmarks initially operated the house as a historic home and decorative arts museum, hosting tours, educational events, and cultural programs. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, cementing its status as a significant historical landmark. In 2013, the property underwent a refurbishment and transitioned from a museum to a venue for Indiana Landmarks programs, special events, and private rentals. Its unique blend of architectural beauty and cultural significance continues to draw admiration, even as it adapts to modern uses.