The Propylaeum (John W. Schmidt House) | |
 The Propylaeum, November 2010 | |
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| Location | 1410 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, Indiana |
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| Coordinates | 39°47′11″N 86°9′16″W / 39.78639°N 86.15444°W |
| Area | 1.2 acres (0.49 ha) |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000039[1] |
| Added to NRHP | June 19, 1973 |
The Propylaeum, also known as the John W. Schmidt House or as the Schmidt-Schaf House, is a historic home and carriage house located at 1410 North Delaware Street in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. The Propylaeum was named after the Greek word "propýlaion," meaning "gateway to higher culture." The property became the headquarters for the Indianapolis Woman's Club in 1923, as well as the host for several other social and cultural organizations. It was initially built in 1890-1891 as a private residence for John William Schmidt, president of the Indianapolis Brewing Company, and his family. Joseph C. Schaf, president of the American Brewing Company of Indianapolis, and his family were subsequent owners of the home.
The Indianapolis Propylaeum association, formed in 1888 as a joint stock company of women, continues to manage the site as a gathering place and rental facility for cultural activities and private events. The three-story, Neo-Jacobean-style building is constructed of red brick with limestone trim. It sits on a full basement and has hipped roof of slate with several gables. The main features of its exterior include a wraparound verandah, square tower, and porte-cochère. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as "The Propylaeum (John W. Schmidt House)" in 1973. The Indiana Historical Bureau erected a state historical marker at the site in 1999.