Chatham Passage – Indianapolis, Indiana - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Chatham Passage

Indianapolis, Indiana

This multisensory alley has the ability to remind bustling citygoers to stop and smell the roses. 

View all photos
288
587
Top Places in Indianapolis
A courthouse preserved by Indiana Landmarks
Indiana Landmarks Center
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis Moon Tree
Indianapolis, Indiana
The Ruins
Indianapolis, Indiana
 See All

Since 2010, those in Indianapolis have been able to stroll through a sensory experience in Chatham Passage. Nestled between two of the city’s favorite gay clubs, the alleyway art installation consists of a sunken vault covered by a lace-like steel grate, from which the smell of roses wafts into the air.

Chatham Passage is the work of the conceptual artist Sean Derry. Many of his projects are built to connect the past and present of the sites on which they are built. The luxurious scent and elaborate grate are a nod to the former Real Silk Hosier Mill, once located nearby. The vault is also reminiscent of the coal vaults that once serviced many of the surrounding buildings. 

Those exploring the Mass Ave Arts District in Indianapolis can pop down the alley and stand directly over the vault to enjoy the smell of roses along with a mini light show, as a shimmering LED light display escapes through the grate. It’s an art installation that will have visitors trading in their rose-colored glasses for rose-scented alleyways in an instant.

roses alleyways flowers art outside
Nearby
The Athenaeum
0.27 miles
Indiana Landmarks Center
0.48 miles
Elvis Presley Final Concert Plaque
0.63 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
The Athenaeum, Indianapolis.
Indianapolis, Indiana

The Athenaeum

This stately clubhouse has showcased German-American culture for over a century.
A courthouse preserved by Indiana Landmarks
Indianapolis, Indiana

Indiana Landmarks Center

The largest historic preservation organization in the United States.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Elvis Presley Final Concert Plaque

A monument to the King's final show, complete with a time capsule.
Well-maintained catacombs exist to this day under the popular City Market
Indianapolis, Indiana

Market Street Catacombs

A hidden network of subterranean passageways lies tangled beneath Indianapolis' bustling City Market.
Related Places
Gulfport, Mississippi

Fishbone Alley

A brick-lined alley full of public artwork tucked away in downtown Gulfport.
Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

Poppy Mural

A local remembrance for lives lost—a poppy for each—in war more than 100 years ago.
An aerial view of the rose garden.
Portland, Oregon

International Rose Test Garden

10,000 flowered plants bloom in the City of Roses.
Rose Centre.
Brinchang, Malaysia

Rose Centre

A lush terraced garden full of thousands of colorful roses and mystical art.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web