Columbus, Indiana – the city of architecture and art!

Updated 07/20/2023

Columbus, Indiana, is a city full of architecture, arts, parks, and charm. It is located in Bartholomew County and neighbors surrounding cities such as Edinburgh, Nashville, and Seymour. You can easily spend a day or two in Columbus sightseeing and enjoying the nearby attractions. I fell in love with their downtown charm and the artwork displayed throughout the city, parks, and beautiful buildings.

Although the population of Columbus is just under 10,000 residents, it is one of six ranked American Institute of Architects cities in the nation for architectural innovation and design – right alongside Chicago, San Franciso, Boston, Washington D.C. Whoa. Right here in Indiana! So obviously, I will talk about some sights you should see here.

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Art in Columbus

With all the free public art in Columbus, it’s possible to be the ultimate art enthusiast and tourist on a budget. Tuck that money away for a tour of the Miller House –  a famous mid-century modern home designed by Eero Saarinen, Alexander Girard, and Dan Kiley. The 90-minute Miller House tour can be arranged through the Columbus Visitor’s Center for $25.00 per person.

Check out my Google Map for free public artwork and architecture locations throughout Columbus. You can also stop by the Columbus Visitors Center for a $3 printed map or online for several self-guided map options.

28 FREE Columbus public art displays:

1. 411 – A gallery project of the Arts and Entertainment District. Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 12:00 – 4:00 pm, 411 6th Street
2. Ancestral Way ceramic sculptures – located on 3rd Street, between Jackson and Lindsey Streets
3. Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans pillars – located at Courthouse Square, 234 Washington St
4. Celebration sculpture – located at Inside Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Avenue
5. The Commons artwork (located inside and outside) – Chaos I (inside),  Bernar Venet’s 2 Arcs de 212.5° (outside) — also known as the “Red C”, and Art Cases (inside), 300 Washington Street (inside sculptures may be closed due to COVID-19)
6. Columbus Bike Racks – the colorful “C” located throughout the city
7. Columbus Learning Center artwork – Self Made Man bronze statue, Sun Garden Panels, and art gallery, 4555 Central Avenue
8. Columbus Visitors Center artwork – Persian glass plates, Yellow Neon Chandelier, and Gallery 506, 506 5th Street
9. Crack the Whip bronze sculpture – located at Brown and Second Bridge
10. Daquqi sculpture by Peter Lundberg – located in the Garton Plaza, 2nd Street
11. Eos sculpture – located in the median on 5th Street and Lindsey Street
12. Exploded Engine art display – located in the Cummins Museum at the Cummins Corporate Headquarters, 500 Jackson St (may be closed due to COVID-19)
13. Flamenco sculpture– located at the corner of Washington and 4th Street
14. Friendshipway Alley – a part of the Columbus Walkway Project, located at 416 Washington Street
15. Gallery at Indiana University J.Irwin Miller Architecture Project, Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm 333 2nd Street
16. Gallery of Media, Art, & Design – Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. Open whenever classes are in session, 4475 Central Avenue
17. Halcyon limestone sculpture – located outside of the Columbus Regional Hospital, 2400 17th Street
18. History and Mystery Mural – located in the City Council Chambers inside City Hall, 123 Washington Street
19. IUPUC artwork – Transformation structure and Discovery fountain sculpture – located on the campus, 4601 Central Ave
20. Jolie Crider Memorial limestone sculpture – located on the Columbus People Trail across from the hospital, near 18th Street
21. Large Arch sculpture – located outside of the Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza, 536 5th Street
22. Mill Race Park artwork – Structural Follies and Skopos sculpture (and covered bridge!), 50 Carl Miske Drive
23. Modern Totem – located in the Library Plaza, between the Visitors Center and library, 536 5th Street
24. North Christian Church – the church, the landscaping, and the artwork outside of the church, 850 Tipton Lane
25. Phi Gallery at Hotel Indigo – 400 Brown Street, Columbus
26. The Sermon on the Mount tapestry – located inside the First Christian Church, 531 5th St
27. When I Was Your Age display – located behind the Bartholomew County School Headquarters on Central Avenue, at 1526 13th Street
28. Yellowwood Coral – located in the Bartholomew County Recycling Center, 720 S Mapleton Street

Free Columbus Public Art Checklist 

Keep track of your art tour with this Columbus, Indiana, Free Public Art Bucket List. If you are taking children, letting them check off each stop is a great way to include them in your tour!

Click here for printable: Columbus Art Checklist printable

Overnight accommodations

Looking for a unique place to stay in Columbus? The Le Petite Maison bungalow is an open and airy artistic getaway. It is within walking distance of many public art displays and in the heart of the Downtown Columbus Arts District. It’s perfect for two people and has a private entrance, a hip patio, a full glass garage door that opens, and a comfortable bed.

Hotel Indigo is also a fun boutique hotel located in the hub of downtown Columbus. It’s an IHG brand hotel embracing the local uniqueness of the architectural neighborhood and its surroundings. They even have their gallery showcasing regional artists in the lobby and a Pet Ambassador, Miles, who greets you when you check-in.

Nearby things to do:

• Edinburgh Diner is only a few miles from Columbus – Indiana’s Largest Tenderloin at the Edinburgh Diner
• Brown County State Park is only a few miles west of Columbus – Guide to Visiting Brown County State Park
• Franklin, Indiana, is 22 miles from Columbus – How to Spend a Day in Franklin, Indiana
• Greenfield, Indiana is 49 miles from Columbus – Spend a day in Greenfield, Indiana
• Madison, Indiana is 46 miles from Columbus – Spend a Day in Madison, Indiana
• Indianapolis, Indiana, is 45 miles from Columbus – Garfield Park’s Sunken Gardens in Indianapolis

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