The Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque is a historic and architecturally striking event venue in downtown Springfield, Missouri. Built in 1923 in the Moorish Revival style, it was designed with red brick walls, ornate terracotta detailing, and distinctive ... read morestained-glass windows depicting a camel caravan. At the time of its completion, it was considered the largest auditorium west of the Mississippi River and was constructed at a cost of about $600,000, making it one of the most ambitious civic projects of its era.

The main auditorium seats around 3,200 guests, while the lower level provides additional event and reception space for roughly 1,300 people. Over the decades, the Shrine Mosque has been a hub for a wide variety of events, including concerts, theatrical performances, circuses, political rallies, and even presidential visits from leaders such as Harry Truman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. Its versatility and central location have made it a longstanding favorite for both large public gatherings and more intimate community functions.

Today, the Shrine Mosque remains an active and celebrated venue, hosting everything from live music and comedy shows to conventions and charity events. Owned and operated by the Abou Ben Adhem Shriners, the building also houses a small museum in its lower level, preserving historic memorabilia and artifacts connected to both the Shriners organization and Springfield’s history. As both a cultural landmark and a working performance hall, it continues to play an important role in the city’s entertainment and community life.