Arthur Bohn

Who was Arthur Bohn?

Arthur Bohn, AIA, was a German-American architect active from the 1880s to 1940s in Indiana. He was a co-founder of the locally renowned Indianapolis architectural firm of Vonnegut and Bohn. The firm had distinct German influences.

Working in Indianapolis in the 1880s, Bohn entered into a partnership in 1888 with Bernard Vonnegut Sr., WAA, and Fel­low to form Vonnegut & Bohn. Vonnegut had been practicing with a client roster in Indianapolis since 1883 and had previous draftsman experience in the prominent New York firm of George B. Post. He also came from a wealthy and respected family that may have led to several commissions. However, Vonnegut was not the most sociable individual and was not active in the community, which is where several commissions often originate. In addition, Vonnegut and frequently traveled and lived abroad, so Bohn was likely to have played a significant role in attracting clients and executing much of the day to day work, despite being overshadowed by the Vonnegut name.