In 1925, an amazing, palatial behemoth of a theater was built and opened in Gary, Indiana. Known appropriately as the Palace Theater, this modern-day castle was destined for a comparatively brief existence; in the 1970s, it closed its doors forever, but in its nearly five decades of existence many memories would be made under its roof. Some of these memories are wonderful; many residents of Indiana still have some truly beautiful memories of the times they had here long ago. Unfortunately, however, others aren’t so lucky: this abandoned theatre in Indiana also has an immensely dark side.

From the outside, the Palace looks rough - a stern warning to those who may be brave (or foolish) enough to enter.
Timothy Neesam/Flickr
Entering is, of course, not recommended - this place has been dead for longer than it was ever alive, and its structural integrity is compromised by years of decay.
Thankfully, there have been a few bold souls that went inside and brought pictures back.
BWChicago/Flickr
The pictures tell many stories. The theatre tells many stories.
How many amazing opening nights has this place seen?
Timothy Neesam/Flickr
How many standing ovations were ever given, and how many times did someone cry tears of joy?

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If one listens closely, they might be able to hear some of it...
Timothy Neesam/Flickr
...although there's no promise those happy echoes won't be interrupted by shrieks of horror.
The Palace Theater has seen plenty of tragedy, too, the worst of which was one horrific night in 1968.
BWChicago/Flickr
It was the evening of April 14th when screams of agony and terror filled the lobby. A teenage girl was stabbed to death in front of everyone present - a very public death, and a very dark mark on the history of the building.
In January 1972, a woman was brutally attacked in the restroom. This was the final straw.
BWChicago/Flickr
These incidents, coupled with declining audience numbers (in part thanks to the violence but primarily because of the death of the US Steel plant in town) ensured the theatre's demise, and finally, it closed its doors to the public forever.
Today, all that remains is trauma and memories.
BWChicago/Flickr

Interestingly, the city of Gary now offers permits to explore certain structures in town (particularly the City Methodist Church), so if you really want to check some of them out, you can – just be sure to do it legally and safely. As of the time of this writing, there are no permits issued for the Palace Theater – so please respect the law.

What are your favorite abandoned places in Indiana? Let us know!

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